Philodendron In Aquarium – Your Ultimate Guide To A Lush, Living

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your beautiful aquarium and your thriving houseplants and wondered if you could bring those two worlds together? You’re not alone. Many of us dream of creating a seamless, vibrant ecosystem where lush green leaves cascade down the side of a crystal-clear fish tank.

The good news is, it’s not just a dream—it’s surprisingly easy to achieve. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to successfully grow a philodendron in aquarium setups, turning your tank into a stunning, self-sustaining piece of living art.

We’ll walk through everything together, from the incredible benefits and best plant varieties to a simple step-by-step setup and troubleshooting common issues. Let’s get ready to create something truly special!

The Amazing Benefits of Philodendron in an Aquarium

Before we get our hands dirty, let’s talk about why this is such a fantastic idea. Adding a philodendron to your tank is more than just a pretty decoration; it’s a powerful, natural tool that creates a healthier environment for your aquatic pets. This is one of the best eco-friendly philodendron in aquarium practices you can adopt.

Here are the key benefits you can look forward to:

  • Natural Water Filtration: This is the big one! Fish waste breaks down into ammonia, which is then converted to nitrites and finally to nitrates. While less toxic than ammonia, high levels of nitrates are still stressful for fish. Philodendrons are nitrate-hungry powerhouses. Their roots will pull these nitrates directly from the water, acting as a constant, living filter.
  • Reduced Algae Growth: Algae and philodendrons compete for the same nutrients, namely nitrates. By having a philodendron actively consuming these nutrients, you’re essentially starving out potential algae blooms. This means clearer water and less scraping for you!
  • Improved Water Oxygenation: Through the process of transpiration, the plant’s roots absorb water and release oxygen, contributing to a well-oxygenated environment that benefits your fish and other aquatic life.
  • Provides Shelter and Security: The dangling roots create a complex, jungle-like environment inside the tank. This is perfect for shy fish, shrimp, and fry, giving them safe places to hide, explore, and feel secure.
  • Stunning Aesthetics: Let’s be honest—it just looks incredible. The vibrant green leaves spilling over the top of your aquarium create a beautiful, natural bridge between the aquatic world inside the tank and the living space in your home.

Choosing the Best Philodendron for Your Aquarium Setup

While many philodendrons can adapt to this growing method, a few varieties are superstars for beginners. You’ll want a vining type, as their trailing nature is perfect for this “emersed” setup, where the roots are in the water and the leaves are out.

Don’t worry—these are some of the most common and forgiving houseplants around!

Top Recommendations for Your Tank

  • Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): This is the undisputed champion for aquarium use. It’s incredibly hardy, grows quickly, and its classic heart-shaped leaves are beautiful. It’s the perfect starting point for your philodendron in aquarium guide journey.
  • Brasil Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Brasil’): A stunning cultivar of the Heartleaf, ‘Brasil’ features gorgeous variegated leaves with splashes of yellow and lime green. It adds a wonderful pop of color.
  • Micans Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Micans’): For a touch of luxury, ‘Micans’ is a fantastic choice. Its leaves have a velvety, iridescent texture and a deep green to reddish-bronze color.

A pro tip: You can often get “cuttings” of these plants for free from friends or local gardening groups. They root incredibly easily in water, making this a very budget-friendly project.

How to Put Philodendron in Aquarium: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, it’s time for the fun part! Getting your philodendron settled into its new aquatic home is simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll be set up for success. This is the core of our “how to philodendron in aquarium” process.

  1. Select and Prepare Your Plant Cutting
    Start with a healthy cutting that has at least 2-4 leaves and a couple of nodes (the little bumps on the stem where leaves and roots grow). If you’re using a plant from soil, gently wash all the soil from its roots. This is critically important to avoid introducing unwanted bacteria or rot into your tank.

  2. Rinse Thoroughly
    Whether it’s a new cutting or a transplanted one, give the roots and stem a final rinse with dechlorinated water (you can use old tank water for this) to remove any lingering dirt, dust, or potential pests.

  3. Choose Your Placement Method
    You have a few great options for securing your plant. The key rule for all of them is: only the roots should be in the water. The main stem and leaves must remain in the air to prevent rot.

    Placement Ideas:

    • Hang-on-Back (HOB) Filter: This is my favorite method. Simply tuck the roots into the outflow or media chamber of your HOB filter. The constant flow of nutrient-rich water is like a buffet for the plant.
    • Suction Cup Planter: You can find small plastic baskets with suction cups that attach to the inside of the tank. Just place the cutting inside and guide the roots down into the water.
    • DIY Holders: Get creative! A piece of airline tubing holder, a small plastic soap dish with holes drilled in it, or even just wedging the stem gently between the lid and the tank rim can work perfectly.

  4. Secure the Plant
    Gently place your philodendron cutting into your chosen spot. Double-check that the leaves and the main part of the stem are above the waterline. The roots can be fully submerged and will quickly adapt.

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And that’s it! You’ve successfully added a beautiful, functional plant to your aquarium ecosystem.

The Ultimate Philodendron in Aquarium Care Guide

Now that your plant is in place, you might be wondering what’s next. The beauty of this system is its simplicity. This philodendron in aquarium care guide is refreshingly short because the aquarium does most of the work for you!

Lighting

Your philodendron doesn’t need its own special light. The ambient room light combined with the light from your aquarium hood is usually more than enough. Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the tank in a spot where the plant’s leaves will get hours of direct, hot sun, as this can scorch them.

Nutrients

Forget about fertilizer! Your fish provide all the nutrients your philodendron needs. The nitrates that you’re usually trying to remove with water changes are the perfect plant food. This symbiotic relationship is the heart of a sustainable philodendron in aquarium setup.

Pruning and Maintenance

As your philodendron grows, it will send out long vines. To encourage a fuller, bushier plant, simply snip the vines back every so often. You can even take those new cuttings and root them in the tank to create more plants! Occasionally, an older leaf may turn yellow and die off. This is normal; just pinch it off and remove it.

Common Problems with Philodendron in Aquarium (and Easy Fixes!)

While this method is largely trouble-free, you might run into a couple of minor hiccups. Don’t worry, these are easy to solve. Here are some common problems with philodendron in aquarium setups and what to do about them.

Yellowing Leaves

  • The Cause: This is most often caused by either too much direct light or, in rare cases, a nutrient deficiency in very clean, lightly stocked tanks.
  • The Fix: First, check your lighting. Is the sun hitting the leaves directly? If so, move the tank or diffuse the light. If the light isn’t the issue, the plant may need more nutrients. This is a good sign your tank is very clean, but you may need to supplement with a tiny drop of houseplant fertilizer (one safe for aquatic use) every few months.
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Stem Rot

  • The Cause: This happens when the main stem or petiole (the stalk that attaches a leaf to the stem) is left sitting in the water.
  • The Fix: This is an easy prevention. Always ensure that only the roots are submerged. If you notice any mushy brown spots on the stem, lift the plant higher out of the water immediately. You can trim away the rotted part with a clean blade.

Slow Growth

  • The Cause: Patience, my friend! When you first add a cutting, it will focus its energy on growing roots. You might not see much leaf growth for a few weeks. It can also be a sign of insufficient light.
  • The Fix: Give it time. As long as the existing leaves look healthy, the plant is doing its work below the surface. After a few weeks, you should see new growth. If it remains stagnant for over a month, try moving it to a spot with a bit more indirect light.

Frequently Asked Questions About Philodendron in Aquariums

Is philodendron toxic to aquarium fish?

This is a very common and important question! Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic if eaten. However, in this setup, the leaves are kept out of the water. The roots are perfectly safe for the aquatic environment, and fish show no interest in nibbling on them. It is considered completely fish-safe when grown emersed.

Can I put the whole philodendron plant in the water?

No, absolutely not. Philodendrons are not true aquatic plants. If you submerge their leaves and stems, they will quickly rot, decay, and foul your tank water, which can be very harmful to your fish.

Do I need a special aquarium lid?

Not necessarily. You just need an opening for the plant to grow out of. Many aquarium lids have cutout sections for filters and heaters that work perfectly. If you have a solid glass or acrylic lid, you may need to leave it slightly ajar or find a creative way to secure the plant at the rim.

Will the philodendron roots harm my filter or other equipment?

The roots are generally fine and fibrous and won’t harm your equipment. In a HOB filter, they can sometimes grow densely in the media chamber. It’s a good idea to check on them every few months and trim them back a bit if they become overly dense, just to ensure water can still flow freely.

Go Forth and Grow!

You are now equipped with all the philodendron in aquarium tips and best practices you need to create a breathtaking display. This simple project is one of the most rewarding ways to blend your love for houseplants with the art of aquarium keeping.

It’s more than just a decoration; it’s a living, breathing partnership between plant and animal that results in a healthier, more stable, and more beautiful ecosystem for you to enjoy.

So go ahead, grab a cutting, and give it a try. Your fish will thank you, and you’ll love the lush, green results. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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