Creating an indoor water garden is a fun project that you can make in about an hour, and it can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish.
They're pretty simple but if you love plants you will certainly enjoy making this lovely little desktop water garden. These low maintenance beauties are perfect for gift giving and offer a great way to get creative.
Also having a water feature such as this or something like a simple indoor water fountain can bring a sense of tranquility to your workspace or home.
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Making the Indoor Garden
Supplies
- Large Glass Containers - Terrariums, Vases, Bowls
- Gravel, Stones or Rocks
- Aquarium Plants - I used Aubias
, Bolbitis, and Marimo Moss Balls. - Sea Fans and Decorative Add-ins
- Distilled Water - You can also use tap water. Let it sit out for 24 hours first so that the chlorine will evaporate.
, 
, and Marimo Moss Balls
.
and Decorative Add-ins
This Sea Fan is actually dried coral and you can buy one piece and cut it up into different sections for your water garden, share with someone, or keep for a future project.
Start with some decorative stones, clean gravel, or rocks. They provide stability for plants, a place to hold the sea fan and they look really pretty.
Plants to Choose
I used an Aubias in the tall container and a Bolbitis in the round container. Both of these plants are submergent plants which means they grow underwater. These two also grow in low light conditions and will grow in rocks so I didn't need to prepare the bottom with soil.
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I also ordered a set of Marimo Moss balls
. The descriptions said I would receive 6 balls but I actually received 8 moss balls! So I ended up using an old glass vase from my stash and created the simple garden on the left with some of the black rocks and a piece of the sea fan.
Did you know that Marimo balls are actually algae and not a moss at all? I think they are so pretty in these containers. If you become a huge Marimo fan you may want to read this Marimo Moss Ball Care Guide for great info on these beauties.
How to Care for Your Indoor Water Garden
For this set of plants, you only need to make sure they get some indirect light. A room with a decent window should do.
Change the water every month with more distilled water or tap water that has been left out for a good 24 hours first. You can also buy a tap water conditioner online or from any commercial pet store that sells aquariums. They may also sell plants and marimo balls too.
I'm super happy with the way they turned out.
My daughter already wants one for her apartment. We just need to figure out where she can put it. A place that her ferret can't reach.
P.S. Indoor gardening can be just as fun and beautiful as outdoor gardening. If you are starting to get into houseplants you may enjoy my post about the simple pleasure of houseplants or one on houseplant symbolism.
How to Make an Indoor Water Garden
Materials
- Large Glass Containers - Terrariums Vases, Bowls
- Gravel Stones, or Rocks
- Aquarium Plants - I used Aubias Bolbitis, and Marimo Moss Balls.
- Sea Fans and Decorative Add-ins
- Distilled Water - You can also use tap water. Let it sit out for 24 hours first so that the chlorine will evaporate.
Instructions
- Start with some decorative stones, clean gravel, or rocks.
- Place the sea fan or coral in between the stones or gravel to hold it in place.
- Add plants and marimo moss balls.
- Fill with distilled water.
Marti I
What is the size of the bowl that you used and how tall is the vase?
Patti Estep
The bowl is about 6 inches in height and 7.5 inches in diameter. The vase is 10 inches tall
Michele
How would you recommend changing out the water without having to rebuild the project each time (or is that what has to be done)? Could you change out half the water every two weeks or so by scooping out half and then carefully pouring in fresh?
Patti Estep
Michele, you can try that. I'd also suggest using a large turkey baster or you could make a siphon with some tubing and a bucket to remove the water.
Agnes
I just did one last weekend ... and the water smell funny and murky. How do i solve that...
Patti Estep
Agnes, I'm sorry to hear that you are having this issue. The only thing I can think of is maybe try washing the stones with soap to see if they are giving off the funny smell.
S.Micheal Cara
Can moss be grown underwater? Thanks for inspire me. S.Cara
Patti Estep
I do believe some kinds of moss can grow underwater. A pet store or one that specializes in aquariums would be a good place to check for a particular source.
April
Can a lid be placed on top? I have a couple older terrariums with glass lids I thought might look pretty like this! But with cats a lid is a must.
Patti Estep
April, I'm not sure. I'm wondering if it would need a pump if you placed a lid on it. I'd check with a pet store that sells aquariums.
Dena
Would a fish be able to live in there, too?
Patti Estep
Dena, I don't know much about fish. I would think the answer is yes but it probably depends on the fish, the number and size. I suggest you call or stop in a pet store and ask.
Janie
Where to get moss ball
Patti Estep
Janie, you may be able to find them at a local aquatic or pet store. I purchased mine on Amazon but it seems like they are no longer selling them.
Nacho
Hi Patti,
that looks so beautiful. I'm looking for inspiration for a indoor water garden for a few days. And I think your way is the most practicable one.
But how do you change the water? Do you remove it completly or is it enough to remove it half and fill it up with new water? Otherwise you have to arrange it all new? But this would be time consuming every month?
I wish you a good weekend,
Nacho
Patti Estep
Nacho, since this is a brand new project I have only added water, as it's so small the water evaporates. I'm keeping an eye on it though and plan to remove everything and give them a good wash soon. I'm hoping to only need to do this a few times a year. Time will tell.
Marci
how to you prevent bugs for showing up with the standing water?
Patti Estep
Marci, I have three and haven't had a problem with bugs. It may be that the plant life helps with the water and I do change the water about once a month.
naz
can the plants live without an air pomp for the oxygen?
Patti Estep
Naz, yes they can. From everything I've read and the pet store salesman only suggest replacing the water every few weeks, making sure that it's distilled or conditioned first and making sure it gets some light.
Julie Briones
Low maintenance and so pretty! Great idea for an apartment or tiny home!
Maria
This is beautiful, I pinned it to my coastal board.
Maria