Floating plants can improve the aesthetic value of your indoor décor dramatically. They make perfect additions to indoor aquariums, ponds, and even vases, by adding a splash of greenery. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also help to maintain the ecological balance by purifying the air and creating a hospitable environment for your aquatic pets. Here are some of the best floating plants for indoor bowls that can give your space an intriguing, nature-infused touch.
1. Duckweed (Lemna Minor):
Duckweed is one of the most common indoor floating plants. It is a fast-growing, hardy perennial plant. The tiny, round leaves form a continuous green carpet on the water surface, offering a vivid contrast against the clear water. Duckweed requires a gentle movement of water, ample sunlight, and moderate temperature to thrive. It is also a favorite food for koi and goldfish, so you may want to reconsider your choice if you have these fish in your bowl.
2. Amazon Frogbit (Limnobium Laevigatum):
The Amazon Frogbit is known for its beautiful rosette form and small white flowers. Its thick, glossy leaves float on the surface while the roots dangle underwater. Frogbit provides great coverage for fish and stands out due to its distinctive appearance. But, it requires a lot of light – around 12 hours per day. Frogbit should also be kept away from overly turbulent water, as it can damage the spongy undersides of the leaves.
3. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia Crassipes):
Recognizable for its stunning lavender-blue flowers and bulbous leaf stalks, the water hyacinth is a favored choice for indoor bowls. The extensive root system of this floating plant offers refuge and spawning grounds for fish. Despite being highly attractive, water hyacinth requires a controlled environment to prevent uncontrolled spread. It needs about 5 hours of sunlight daily and thrives in water temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Salvinia (Salvinia Minima):
Salvinia, also known as water spangles, is another popular pick for indoor bowls. The floating fern is non-invasive, which means it can thrive without obstructing the growth of other aquatic species. Its tiny clusters of leaves create an attractive cover on the water surface. Natural sunlight is best for Salvinia, but it can also do well under fluorescent light.
5. Azolla (Azolla Caroliniana):
Azolla, called the Mosquito Fern, is an excellent addition to indoor designs due to its distinctive reddish-purple hue and petite size. It provides an amalgamation of green and red hues to bowls and aquariums, which contrasts perfectly with the water. Its coverage is versatile in terms of light, with it capable of thriving in partial sunlight to full shade if adequately cared for.
6. Water Lettuce (Pistia Stratiotes):
Water Lettuce is a popular choice for indoor bowls owing to its unique rosette shape, pale-green leaves, and overall aesthetic appeal. It multiplies rapidly, providing excellent shade and protection for the aquatic inhabitants. It thrives best in warm temperatures and requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day.
When selecting the best floating plants for your indoor bowls, remember to consider their care, lighting needs, and their compatibility with other plants or aquatic organisms in your bowl. A thoughtfully planned water garden not just enhances the visual appeal of your space, but also provides a tranquil environment for your aquatic pets, making your indoor bowl a balanced mini-ecosystem. Perception and planning are key when designing an idyllic water garden – happy designing!
