5 Low-Maintenance Plants That Grow Easily in Water

You don’t need a pond or large space to add a water feature to your terrace garden. If you choose the right plants and grow them in a sturdy container, you can create a beautiful, low-maintenance, mini water garden in pots, bowls, or tubs.

Some water plants not only grow well in containers but also help keep the water clean and mosquito-free—all while bringing lush greenery and calm to your urban garden.

If you’re looking for ideas to create a small water feature on a balcony or terrace, here are 5 water plants that grow effortlessly in pots or containers, making them ideal for your limited space.

1. Water Lettuce

Water lettuce, also known as Pistia stratiotes, is one of the easiest floating plants to grow in a container. With its rosette shape and velvety, pale green leaves, it floats beautifully on water and reproduces readily. Its dangling roots absorb nutrients, helping to keep the water clean and free from algae.

Ideal Container: Wide shallow tubs, bowls, or half-barrels.
Light Needs: Partial to full sunlight.
Maintenance Tip: Scoop out excess growth monthly to prevent overcrowding.

2. Salvinia

Also known as floating fern, Salvinia (botanical name Salvinia minima) has small, fuzzy green leaves that sit on the water’s surface. It thrives in still water, making it perfect for decorative bowls and pots. It helps shade the water and reduce algae formation.

Ideal Container: Decorative ceramic bowls or low tubs.
Light Needs: Bright indirect light or morning sun.
Maintenance Tip: Rinse out dead leaves occasionally and thin out if it spreads too much.

3. Frogbit

Frogbit, or Limnobium laevigatum,is a charming floating plant that resembles miniature water lilies. Its round, waxy leaves float freely while roots hang below the surface. It grows quickly and provides excellent water cover, discouraging mosquito breeding.

Ideal Container: Glass or plastic bowls or tubs.
Light Needs: Moderate to bright indirect sunlight.
Maintenance Tip: Remove older leaves to keep the water fresh and maintain smooth circulation.

4. Horsetail

With its tall, jointed, reed-like stems, horsetail, also known as Equisetum hyemale,adds a bold vertical structure to any water container. It’s a hardy, prehistoric plant that thrives in moist or waterlogged soil, making it perfect for semi-aquatic container setups. Once established, it’s practically unkillable.

Ideal Container: Tall ceramic pots or waterproof planters placed in shallow water trays or tubs.
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade.
Maintenance Tip: Keep the base constantly wet and trim dead stems for a neat appearance.

5. Azolla

Azolla, also known as Fairy Moss, is a small, free-floating fern that creates a soft green or reddish carpet on the water’s surface. It’s ideal for shallow containers and helps fix nitrogen, improving water quality naturally. This plant spreads fast, offering excellent coverage with minimal care.

Ideal Container: Shallow trays, plastic tubs, or decorative water bowls.
Light Needs: Partial sunlight.
Maintenance Tip: Thin out excess growth every few weeks to prevent overcrowding.

Tips for Maintaining Plants That Grow in Water

• Choose wide, stable containers, such as terracotta bowls, glazed ceramic pots, or upcycled buckets.
• Add pebbles or gravel at the bottom for weight and visual appeal.
• Use clean, chlorine-free water—let tap water sit for 24 hours before adding plants.
• Avoid full sun during peak afternoon hours, especially for tender floating plants.
• Change or top up the water regularly to keep it clear and fresh.
• Add a mini solar or electric water fountain to the tub or container to enhance the sense of calm in the space.

So, if you ruled out a water feature in your small balcony or terrace, think again. With minimal effort, you can build a stylish mini water garden that purifies the air and brings a sense of serenity to your outdoor space.

Also see: How to Set Up Drip Irrigation for a Terrace Garden