Creating an indoor water garden is one of the easiest ways to add calm, movement, and natural beauty to your home. Whether you want floating plants, a tabletop water bowl, or a small indoor water feature, building an indoor water garden is simple — and you only need a few materials to get started.

For extra help mastering basic plant care, see our guide on Simple Indoor Plant Maintenance Routine.

What Is an Indoor Water Garden?

An indoor water garden is a container filled with water, aquatic plants, and decorative elements that bring nature indoors. Unlike soil-based houseplants, water gardens rely on submerged or floating plants that naturally filter the water and add a relaxing feel to your space.

Indoor water gardens can be:

• Tabletop bowls

• Glass jars or vases

• Aquatic planters

• Mini indoor ponds

• Low-maintenance décor pieces

They’re perfect for beginners because they require little upkeep and no soil.

Best Plants for an Indoor Water Garden

Choosing the right aquatic plants keeps your indoor water garden clean and thriving. Look for species that grow well in still, shallow water.

Great indoor aquatic plants include:

• Lucky bamboo – thrives in water with indirect light

• Water lettuce – beautiful floating rosettes

• Anubias – extremely low-maintenance

• Pothos cuttings – grow well in water with zero effort

• Duckweed – tiny floating leaves that multiply naturally

• Peace lily cuttings – great for decorative indoor bowls

Avoid plants that require high oxygenation or deep water unless you plan to add a pump.

How to Build Your Indoor Water Garden (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose Your Container

You can use almost any waterproof container:

• Glass bowls

• Ceramic pots (glazed interior)

• Jars

• Aquatic planters

• Small tabletop aquariums

Clear containers let you see plant roots and decorative stones, which adds visual interest.

2. Add Your Base Layer

Start with a layer of decorative stones, pebbles, or marbles. This helps weigh down plants, improves stability, and keeps the water visually clean.

Avoid using outdoor soil — it clouds the water and encourages bacteria.

3. Add Water (Filtered or Tap)

Fill the container with filtered, rain, or tap water left out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate. Indoor water garden plants are very sensitive to chemicals.

If you’re adding lucky bamboo or pothos cuttings, water depth should cover the bottom nodes only.

4. Add Your Plants

Place roots gently between pebbles or let floating plants rest on the surface. Ensure no leaves sit underwater — this prevents rot.

5. Position Your Water Garden

Most indoor water gardens prefer:

• Bright, indirect light

• Away from radiators or heat

• A stable room temperature

Floating plants like water lettuce do especially well near east-facing windows.

How to Maintain an Indoor Water Garden

Indoor water gardens are low-maintenance — but a few simple habits keep the water clean and plants healthy.

Top Up Water Weekly

Water evaporates quickly indoors. Add fresh water when levels drop.

Replace Water Every 2–3 Weeks

Refresh the container to prevent algae, odours, and cloudiness.

Clean Leaves and Remove Debris

Remove yellowing leaves before they sink and decay.

Use Natural Fertiliser (Optional)

If your plants need a boost, you can add a very small drop of liquid feed — here’s a simple option that works well for indoor aquatic setups:
https://www.amazon.co.uk

Add Decorative Elements

Stones, shells, or driftwood help anchor plants and personalise your display.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Water Garden Issues

Water Turning Green

This is algae growth. Move your container slightly away from strong sunlight and change the water.

Yellowing Leaves

Usually caused by too little light or old water. Refresh the container more often.

Cloudy Water

Often due to plant debris or using soil — stick to pebbles instead.

Roots Rotting in Water

Ensure plant leaves aren’t submerged and replace water weekly.

Final Thoughts on Creating an Indoor Water Garden

An indoor water garden is one of the simplest and most beautiful ways to bring nature into your home. With just a container, clean water, and a few aquatic plants, you can create a calming, low-maintenance feature that looks stunning in any room. Keep the water fresh, give your plants the right light, and enjoy the relaxing movement and greenery your indoor water garden brings.

For more guidance on aquatic plant care, the RHS provides excellent advice on keeping water-grown plants healthy.

Related Articles

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• Indoor Garden Care Guide