Can You Keep Houseplants in an Aquarium?

Wayne Taylor
Written By Wayne Taylor

Houseplants can be a great addition to any home. They bring life and beauty to any room and can even help filter the air, making it cleaner and healthier to breathe. But when it comes to keeping houseplants in an aquarium, the answer is a definite no.

While the idea may seem appealing, houseplants, unfortunately, cannot survive in an aquarium – they simply require too much soil, sunlight, and air to be able to thrive in such a confined space. While aquariums are not suitable for houseplants, there are still plenty of other ways you can bring a little bit of nature indoors.

Why Houseplants?

Houseplants are a great way to liven up any room and give it a touch of personality. Not only do houseplants create a beautiful aesthetic, they are also beneficial for your health.

Studies have shown that houseplants can reduce stress, clean the air, and even improve your productivity. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder that so many people love to have houseplants in their home. Caring for houseplants is relatively easy when you have the right knowledge. With proper watering and occasional pruning, you can keep your houseplants healthy and thriving.

Can You Keep Houseplants in an Aquarium?

You can’t keep houseplants in an aquarium. It’s not a suitable environment for them, as they require soil, sunlight, and air to survive, and none of those things can be provided in an aquarium. Even if you use an aquarium terrarium, the plants will have difficulty thriving due to the small amount of soil and the lack of natural sunlight.

So if you really want to keep houseplants, it’s best to find an alternative to an aquarium.

There are plenty of other options available. You could try a terrarium with plants that prefer moist, humid environments. Or if you want something a bit more traditional, you could opt for a traditional soil-based planter.

If you’re looking for something unique, you could always try a hydroponic planter, which uses a nutrient-rich water solution to provide nutrients to your plants. Regardless of the type of planter you choose, you’ll be able to create an ideal environment for your houseplants that will help them grow and thrive.

Why Houseplants Can’t Survive in Aquariums

Houseplants need specific conditions to survive and unfortunately, an aquarium cannot provide the environment plants need to thrive. For starters, the temperature and humidity levels in an aquarium are usually too high for most houseplants. Most aquariums are not well ventilated, which means that plants won’t be able to get enough oxygen.

Plants need access to soil, which an aquarium doesn’t provide.

Without soil, plants can’t access the nutrients they need to grow. The aquatic life in a tank can be dangerous for houseplants. For example, are notorious for nibbling on plants, which can stunt their growth and even cause them to die.

Most fish give off a lot of waste which can make the water in an aquarium too toxic for plants.

It’s always best to make sure your houseplants are kept in a place that meets all of their needs. Without access to sunlight, soil, and the right temperature and humidity levels, houseplants won’t be able to thrive. Instead of trying to keep them in an aquarium, find a spot in your home that’s better suited for their needs.

Alternate Solutions

Instead of attempting to keep houseplants in an aquarium, consider other methods of growing them. An outdoor garden is an ideal environment for houseplants, and they can also thrive indoors in well-lit areas. For those without much space, vertical and hanging planters are a great option to make use of the vertical space in your home.

When growing indoors, make sure to only water the plants when the soil is dry and use a water-soluble fertilizer to keep them healthy. For those who are looking for an aquatic solution, consider adding live plants that are specifically designed for aquariums.

These plants will provide oxygen and help to maintain water quality in the aquarium.

There are a variety of aquatic plants available, so choose one that is compatible with your tank size and environment. Make sure to use aquarium safe soil, fertilizer, and water for these aquatic plants.

For a combination of both, consider a terrarium. This is an enclosed space that is ideal for both aquatic and terrestrial plants.

It is important to make sure that the terrarium is well-ventilated, as this will help keep the temperature and humidity at optimal levels for both aquatic and terrestrial plants. Adding live plants to the terrarium will also help to improve air quality. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can create a beautiful, self-sustaining ecosystem in your home.