Can I Keep A Money Plant In Aquarium – Your Ultimate Guide To A

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your beautiful aquarium and then at your lush, trailing Money Plant and wondered… could these two worlds meet? It’s a question we get a lot here at Greeny Gardener, and it’s one that sparks a lot of excitement.

You see the vibrant underwater world of your fish and the easy-going charm of one of the most beloved houseplants. The thought of combining them feels like a stroke of genius, but it’s often followed by uncertainty. Will it be safe for the fish? Will the plant even survive?

Imagine your aquarium transformed. Picture lush green vines cascading from the top, their roots creating a magical, forest-like web beneath the surface. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about creating a healthier, more balanced, and self-sustaining ecosystem for your aquatic pets.

Well, get ready to be inspired! The answer is a resounding YES, and in this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover exactly how to do it, the amazing benefits, and how to create a stunning, living piece of art right in your home.

Why a Money Plant is the Perfect Aquarium Companion

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” This isn’t just a quirky decorating idea; adding a Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos, to your tank is one of the smartest moves you can make. This is a core part of creating a sustainable and eco-friendly can i keep a money plant in aquarium setup.

The Natural Filtration Powerhouse

Your fish produce waste, which breaks down into ammonia, nitrites, and finally, nitrates. While your tank’s filter and beneficial bacteria handle the first two, nitrates can build up over time, requiring you to perform regular water changes. This is where the Money Plant works its magic.

Money Plants are voracious feeders of nitrates. Their roots, dangling in the water, act like tiny straws, sucking up these excess nutrients. This creates a powerful, natural filter that helps keep your water cleaner and healthier for your fish, often reducing the frequency of your water changes. It’s a win-win!

Aesthetically Pleasing Aquascape

Let’s be honest—it looks absolutely stunning. The deep green, heart-shaped leaves of the Money Plant create a beautiful contrast against the water. The vines can be trained to grow along the wall behind your tank or cascade down the sides of your stand, seamlessly blending your aquarium into your home’s decor.

Inside the tank, the long, pale roots create a complex, natural-looking environment. They provide a beautiful backdrop and add a dimension of depth that artificial decorations simply can’t replicate.

Oxygenation and a Natural Habitat

The intricate network of roots does more than just filter. It provides a fantastic, secure playground and hiding spot for shy fish, fry (baby fish), and invertebrates like shrimp. They love exploring and grazing on the biofilm that develops on the roots, mimicking their natural environment.

While the leaves are out of the water, the root system still contributes to a healthy gas exchange at the water’s surface, helping to maintain a stable and oxygen-rich environment for your aquatic inhabitants.

The Step-by-Step Guide: How to Can I Keep a Money Plant in Aquarium

Ready to get started? Don’t worry—this process is perfect for beginners! Following this simple can i keep a money plant in aquarium guide will ensure success for both your plant and your fish. It’s all about preparation and proper placement.

  1. Select the Right Cutting
    Start with a healthy, vibrant Money Plant. Look for a vine with at least 4-6 leaves and no signs of pests or disease (like yellow spots or brown edges). Using a clean pair of scissors or shears, take a cutting that is about 6-8 inches long. Make your cut just below a node—that’s the little brown bump on the stem where a leaf grows. The roots will emerge from this node.

  2. Prepare Your Cutting Meticulously
    This step is the most important rule of all. Remove the bottom 1-2 leaves from your cutting, the ones that would be sitting in the water. Any leaves left submerged will rot, fouling your water and potentially harming your fish. You want a clean, bare stem to place in the aquarium.

  3. Rinse, Rinse, Rinse!
    Gently rinse the entire cutting, especially the stem and any developing roots, under lukewarm tap water. This removes any dust, debris, or potential hitchhikers. Never use soap or chemicals!

  4. Position the Plant Correctly
    Now for the fun part. The goal is to have the bare stem and roots in the water, with all the leaves safely out in the open air. You have a few great options for this:

    • Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filter: This is the easiest method. Simply tuck the stem into the outflow area of your HOB filter. The flowing water is rich in nutrients and oxygen, and the filter box holds the plant perfectly in place.
    • Aquarium Planter Cups: You can find small plastic cups with suction cups that attach to the side of your tank. Fill it with some aquarium-safe gravel or clay balls to support the cutting and stick it to the inside glass at the waterline.
    • DIY Holders: Get creative! A piece of airline tubing suctioned to the glass can form a loop to hold the stem, or you can craft a holder from a plastic bottle. Just ensure any materials used are fish-safe.

  5. Acclimatize and Be Patient
    Your plant needs a little time to adjust. It might look a bit sad for a few days, but that’s normal. Within 2-4 weeks, you should start to see new, white roots sprouting from the nodes. This is the sign that your plant has successfully adapted to its new aquatic home!

READ MORE  Chinese Money Plant Drooping Leaves – The Ultimate Diagnostic

Best Practices for a Thriving Money Plant and a Healthy Tank

Once your plant is in place, maintaining this beautiful symbiotic relationship is incredibly easy. This can i keep a money plant in aquarium care guide focuses on simple, long-term success.

Lighting Requirements

Money Plants are famously low-maintenance when it comes to light. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window but not in the direct sunbeams is perfect. Your standard aquarium light will also provide more than enough light for the roots to thrive, and the ambient room light will take care of the leaves.

The Role of Fish Waste (Free Fertilizer!)

Here’s the best part: you don’t need to fertilize the plant! Your fish do all the work. Their waste provides a constant, perfectly balanced supply of nitrogen and other essential nutrients directly to the plant’s roots. This is what makes it such a sustainable can i keep a money plant in aquarium system.

Pruning and Maintenance

Your Money Plant will likely grow vigorously once established. To encourage a fuller, bushier look, simply trim the long vines every few months. Every time you trim a vine, the plant will often branch out with new growth from that point. And the best part? You can put those new cuttings right back in your tank to grow more plants!

Water Parameters and Your Fish

Don’t worry about the plant affecting your water chemistry. Money Plants are incredibly adaptable and won’t alter the pH or hardness of your water. They are safe for almost all common freshwater aquarium fish, including bettas, guppies, tetras, and corydoras, as well as shrimp and snails.

Common Problems with Can I Keep a Money Plant in Aquarium (and How to Fix Them!)

Even with the easiest plants, you might run into a hiccup or two. Here are some common problems with can i keep a money plant in aquarium and the simple solutions to get you back on track.

Yellowing Leaves

A yellow leaf now and then is normal as the plant sheds old growth. However, if you see multiple leaves turning yellow, it could be due to a couple of things. The most common cause is too much direct sunlight scorching the leaves. The second is simply the initial shock of being moved. Give it time to adjust before worrying.

Stem or Root Rot

This is almost always caused by having leaves submerged in the water. If you notice the stem turning brown and mushy, pull the plant out immediately. Cut off the rotted part with a clean blade, ensure no leaves are near the bottom, and place the healthy part of the stem back in the water. Remember the golden rule: roots only!

READ MORE  Can Keep Money Plant In Bedroom - A Gardener'S Guide To Healthier Air

Slow or No Growth

Patience is key! A new cutting focuses all its energy on growing roots first. It can take a month or more before you see significant new leaf growth. As long as the existing leaves look healthy and the stem is firm, your plant is doing just fine under the surface.

Is it Toxic to Fish?

This is a very valid and common question. Money Plant leaves are toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or humans. However, in an aquarium setup, this poses virtually no risk. The leaves are outside the tank, and fish have absolutely no interest in nibbling on the tough, fibrous roots. It is widely considered a fish-safe practice by aquarists around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Keeping a Money Plant in an Aquarium

Can the entire money plant be submerged in the aquarium?

No, absolutely not. The Money Plant (Pothos) is a terrestrial plant, not a true aquatic one. If its leaves are kept underwater, they will quickly rot, decay, and release harmful ammonia into your tank, which can be fatal to your fish.

Will the money plant harm my betta fish or shrimp?

Quite the opposite! It’s one of the best plants you can add to a betta or shrimp tank. Betta fish love to rest on the sturdy roots near the surface, and shrimp adore grazing on the biofilm that grows on the root system. It provides security and enrichment for them.

Do I need to add fertilizer to the water for the money plant?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this system. Your fish and their waste provide a continuous stream of all the nutrients the plant needs to thrive. Adding extra liquid fertilizer is unnecessary and could even be harmful to sensitive fish or invertebrates.

How long does it take for the money plant to grow roots in the water?

You can typically expect to see the first signs of new, white root nubs emerging from the stem nodes within 2 to 4 weeks. The initial root growth is the slowest part; once it has a decent root system established, the leaf and vine growth will accelerate.

Can I use other houseplants in my aquarium like this?

Yes, you can! The same “roots-only” method works wonderfully for a variety of common houseplants. Some other great candidates include Spider Plants, Philodendron, Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant), and even Lucky Bamboo. Just be sure to research each one to confirm it’s safe.

Your Thriving Aquascape Awaits

So, can i keep a money plant in aquarium? As you’ve now discovered, not only can you, but you absolutely should! It’s a simple, beautiful, and incredibly beneficial project for any gardening or aquarium enthusiast.

You’re not just adding a decoration; you are creating a more balanced, self-sufficient miniature ecosystem. The plant cleans the water, the fish feed the plant, and you get to enjoy a stunning display of nature at its collaborative best.

Remember the most important of all the can i keep a money plant in aquarium tips: keep those leaves out of the water. With that one rule in mind, you are well on your way to success.

Go ahead, grab a cutting from your favorite plant, and give your aquarium the green upgrade it deserves. You’ll love the results, and your fish will thank you for it. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts