Introduction to Common Indoor Aquatic Plants and Daily Care Methods
Indoor aquatic plants are plants cultivated indoors in clear water or small water containers. They include both species that truly live in water their whole lives and many common flowering plants suitable for hydroponics. The roots of these plants sit directly in the water, absorbing water and nutrients, and most have a clean, delicate form without the messy look that soil brings. They are suitable for placing on desktops, windowsills and similar spots, and can also regulate indoor humidity to a certain extent.
There are quite a few common types of indoor aquatic plants. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), peace lily (Spathiphyllum), pennywort (Hydrocotyle vulgaris) and hyacinth can all be grown directly in water with simple care, making them suitable for beginners; small aquatic flowers such as bowl lotus and water lily have higher light requirements and are mostly placed in water tanks on balconies or windowsills; ornamental waterweeds such as hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) and Indian fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) are often used in aquarium landscaping and can be kept together with ornamental fish.
As for care, indoor aquatic plants generally prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct harsh sun, and do not keep them in overly dark corners for long periods. Nutrients in the water are limited, so a hydroponic nutrient solution can be added regularly. At the same time, change the water frequently and clean the inner walls of the container. If rotten roots are found, cut them off promptly. This keeps the water clean and also reduces mosquito breeding.
One more reminder: with aquatic plants, more and greener is not necessarily better. Some waterweeds have very strong reproductive capacity. Once casually discarded into natural waters such as rivers and lakes, they may spread rapidly, squeeze out the living space of native aquatic plants and affect the water ecosystem. When keeping them at home, control the quantity and scope. It is best to dry discarded plants in the sun before disposal, and do not put them into or release them into wild water bodies.
