Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

House Plants That Can Be Used in an Aquarium

Sam Diephuis/Photodisc/Getty Images

Plants provide a natural filter that keeps aquariums clean. They also serve as an aeration system, which supports aquatic life along with air pumps. Several aquatic plants perform these functions well, such as water wisteria, java ferns and banana plants -- each of which adapt to varying chemical concentrations and temperatures common in an aquarium. Yet certain houseplants can also live in aquariums. While houseplants can survive in a submerged environment for a period of time, these plants are ultimately better served in terrariums.

Dracaena Sandriana

Dracaena Sandriana is often sold as an aquatic plant in pet stores, although it is not truly an aquatic plant. It has short, thick stalks with narrow, variegated leaves of white and green. The shape of the leaves is sword-like. This houseplant is also called lucky bamboo. When the plant shows signs of decay, remove it promptly to prevent it from contaminating the tank. Most aquatic and pet shops sell this plant species for use in aquariums.

Aquatic Palm

Despite its name, the aquatic palm is neither an aquatic plant nor a palm, but an amphibious sedge (marsh plant). It can live and grow in an aquarium when its leaves are higher than the waterline, according to Wet Web Media.com. When the entire plant is underwater, however, it will be short-lived. It produces long green leaves with a spread shaped like an umbrella. It’s often sold in aquatic and pet shops.

  • Dracaena Sandriana is often sold as an aquatic plant in pet stores, although it is not truly an aquatic plant.

Red Crinkle-Leaf Plant

The red crinkle-leaf plant has stiff, fibrous leaves that stick out from its sturdy stem and also features areal roots of a brown-red color. The lips of the leaves have curled edges. It generally does well in warm conditions of full sun and well-drained soil as a houseplant, but it is also sold as an aquatic plant in pet stores. It is also commonly available in a synthetic version. This hardy, unusual plant adds interest to an aquarium.

Related Articles

How to Take Care of Dracaena Massangeana Plants
How to Take Care of Dracaena Massangeana Plants
How to Care for a Gold Fish Plant
How to Care for a Gold Fish Plant
South American Flower Names
South American Flower Names
The Varieties of Dieffenbachia
The Varieties of Dieffenbachia
Plants That Are Good for Windowless Offices
Plants That Are Good for Windowless Offices
Why Are the Leaves on My Pothos Turning Yellow?
Why Are the Leaves on My Pothos Turning Yellow?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Are Chinese Palm Plants Poisonous to Cats?
Care of an Alocasia Polly Plant
Care of an Alocasia Polly Plant
Plants That Look Like Bamboo
Plants That Look Like Bamboo
What Houseplants for Southern Exposure?
What Houseplants for Southern Exposure?
How to Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors
How to Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors
Jade Plant Types
Jade Plant Types
How to Split a Giant White Bird of Paradise Plant
How to Split a Giant White Bird of Paradise Plant
Garden Guides
×