7 Amazing Houseplants That Compliment Your Fish Room

In a previous article, we've talked about the benefits of adding houseplant 'Filter plants' to your aquarium.

We've also discussed some concerns you might have with selecting the right plants. 

Whether you have a whole room dedicated to your aquarium hobby, or just a little corner shelf, here's a list of our top 7 fantastically easy houseplants that you should try in your space:

#1: Philodendron

This is a super common tropical houseplant that has large (usually) green leaves with different shapes and patterns. Similar to Pothos, this is a plant that doesn't mind a little leaf dunking under the water, and can survive a few weeks being completely submerged. Don't make it a long-term habit though!

Like Pothos, Philo comes in a TON of creative colors and patterns. Philodendron Brasil is our current favorite!

2: Pothos

This is a popular houseplant that has long trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. It is very easy to grow and propagate. Just cut a bit of stem with a leaf, and place in water. You'll see the long, cord-like roots growing in no time. 

Pothos is a great plant to choose if you want to create a lot of shelter for smaller fish or shrimp. Just make sure the plant's leaves are poking out of the water! Letting it grow that way will also create a beautiful, draping waterfall effect over the edge of your aquarium, softening up the look of equipment, cords, and shelf edges.

 While you can find Golden Pothos (pictured above) in the reception of every doctors office, we like the newer exotic Pothos 'N' Joy'!

#3: Lucky bamboo

This is not actually a bamboo, but a type of dracaena plant that has long green stems and narrow leaves. It is also easy to grow and propagate. You can simply cut a stem with some leaves and place it in the water with the roots submerged and the leaves above the surface.

Lucky bamboo is a great tool to create some interesting shapes in your aquarium. Don't those long, thin canes look like tree trunks? This is a great plant to really blur the line between water and land.

You can even buy some with a spiraling cane!

#4: Peace lily

Peace lilies are gorgeous, easy care plants with dark green, glossy leaves and the occasional white, lily- like flower head.

Peace lilies can also absorb a lot of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate from the water and provide oxygen for your fish. These are great upright plants that can get taller, so they'd be perfect for adding height to your terrarium arrangement.

#5: Spider Plant

This is another popular houseplant that has glossy green/ white leaves and white flowers. It is also easy to grow and propagate, and is sometimes called 'Airplane plant'. Place it in the water with the roots submerged and the leaves above the surface. This is actually the preferred way to propagate baby spider plants too!

Spider plants are one of those super- safe plants for cats and dogs. Something to think about if you have furry friends that get into your fish room!

#6: English ivy

This is a common climbing houseplant that has glossy green leaves with pointed tips. It is also easy to grow and propagate. You can simply cut a stem with some leaves and place it in the water with the roots submerged and the leaves above the surface.

English ivy can also remove some toxins from the water and provide oxygen for your fish. It can also create a beautiful draping vine effect around your aquarium.

#7: Zebrina

Zebrina is a trailing plant that has purple and green striped leaves. It is often grown as a houseplant or a ground cover in mild climates, but it can also be used in your aquarium. In bright light, this plant gets PURPLE!

You can either plant it in a pot outside the aquarium, or let it float on the water surface. Zebrina likes moist soil, but can easily be grown with roots in water like the rest of this list.

Adding filter plants in aquariums is a rewarding way to improve your fish tank. Houseplants can help reduce the harmful substances in the water, provide oxygen for your fish, and create a more natural and attractive environment for everyone.

Not completely sold on using house plants in and around your aquarium?

Check out our previous article on The Pros and Cons of adding Filter Plants to Your Tank

Happy planting!