Best Plants for Indoor Water Gardens

Indoor water gardens—essentially potted aquatic plants in water-filled containers—are easier to maintain than fish systems and offer stunning visual variety. Move pots freely to redesign.

Design Principles

• Maximize contrast: combine tall/spiky (iris), broad-leaved (Alocasia, Colocasia), and floating plants (Pistia, Eichhornia).
• Border plants unify the display with cohesive color.
• Accent with dramatic specimens: Hymenocallis (fragrant, spidery blooms), carnivorous plants.
• Soften edges with Mentha aquatica (perfumed, blue flowers).

Proportions Matter

Match plant size to pot—giant plants in small pots look awkward. Harmonious scale elevates the entire composition.

Let creativity guide your plant selection for a living artwork.