10 Easy Water Plants to Make Your Balcony Garden Shine

May 2, 2025

10 Easy Water Plants Your Balcony Garden Shine

Do you want to decorate your small balcony with plants, but don’t have much space or time? Try growing water plants!

Water plants are super easy. You don’t need soil or big pots. Just a small tub, bowl, or bucket with water is enough. They look fresh, grow fast, and make your balcony feel peaceful and green. 10 easy water plants that are perfect for small balconies.

Water Lettuce

Water lettuce is one of the easiest floating plants. It has soft, green leaves that look like a small green flower. The leaves are thick and float on water by themselves.

You don’t need soil or any tools. Just place it in a tub or bowl filled with water. It grows fast, so you may have to remove extra plants after a while. It also helps keep the water clean by soaking up dirt and waste.

This plant likes warm weather and light, but not full hot sun. Keep it in a bright area where it gets soft sunlight.

Duckweed

Duckweed is a very tiny plant. It looks like green dots floating on water. But even if it’s small, it grows very fast and can cover the whole water surface in just a few days.

It’s great for small containers and bowls. It also helps stop mosquitoes from growing because it blocks sunlight from reaching the water.

Duckweed doesn’t need any care. Just place it in water and it will grow on its own. If it spreads too much, just take out some using a spoon or net.

Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is very popular in homes and offices. It’s not a water plant by nature, but it grows very well in water. People love it because it looks clean and brings positive energy.

You can grow it in a glass jar or bottle with some water. Add small stones at the bottom to keep it standing straight. Change the water once a week.

Keep it in a bright place, but not in direct sunlight. It’s one of the easiest and most beautiful plants to grow at home.

Water Hyacinth

Water hyacinth is a lovely plant with round, shiny green leaves. It also grows pretty purple flowers that bloom in warm seasons.

This plant floats on water and doesn’t need soil. It grows quickly, so you must control it by trimming extra plants.

Water hyacinth likes full sunlight and fresh water. It also helps clean the water by taking in extra nutrients. It’s great for adding color and life to your water garden.

Water Lily

Water lily is a classic water plant. It has big round leaves that float on the water, and its flowers bloom on top. The flowers come in many colors like white, pink, and yellow.

For small balconies, use dwarf water lilies. You’ll need a pot or tub with some soil at the bottom. Place the plant in the soil and fill the container with water.

It needs full sunlight for at least 4 to 5 hours. The flowers bloom in warm months and look very pretty. They also give a peaceful feeling to your space.

Lotus

Lotus is a beautiful and sacred water plant. It has big green leaves and lovely flowers, usually pink or white. The flower grows above the water and opens in sunlight.

Dwarf lotus is best for small balconies. You will need a wide pot with soil at the bottom. Cover the soil with water and place the lotus tuber inside.

Lotus loves sunlight and warmth. It takes some time to grow, but once the flower blooms, it is truly amazing to look at.

Papyrus

Papyrus is a tall, grass-like water plant. It has long green stems and fluffy tops. It grows in shallow water and gives your balcony a tropical look.

There is a smaller version called dwarf papyrus, which is perfect for containers. You can grow it in a pot filled with water and a little soil.

Place it in a sunny spot. It adds height to your water garden and looks unique. It also helps absorb extra water and keeps your garden neat.

Umbrella Palm

Umbrella palm is another plant that loves water. It has long stems with leaves that spread out like an umbrella on top.

You can grow it in a big bowl or bucket with water. Just make sure the roots stay underwater. It grows fast and gives a fun, jungle-like feel to your balcony. It also gives a little shade and can be used as a green divider if you want some privacy.

Horsetail

Horsetail is a strong and bold plant. It looks like tall, green sticks growing straight up. It’s one of the oldest plants on Earth and grows very well in water.

You can place it in a container with clean water and some stones. It doesn’t need much care and stays green all year.

It gives a modern, clean look and is perfect for people who like simple style. It also helps clean the air and adds structure to your garden.

Mosaic Plant

The mosaic plant is a floating beauty. Its leaves are small and colorful, with red and green patterns. They look like little tiles on the water.

This plant grows slowly but looks very special. It likes still water and warm weather. You can grow it in a wide tub or bowl where the water doesn’t move much. It adds color and a touch of art to your water garden. You can place it as a centerpiece in your bowl or pot.

Tips for Growing Water Plants

Use clean, fresh water
Change the water every week
Keep plants in soft or indirect sunlight
Don’t add too many plants in one container
Remove dead leaves and extra plants
Clean the container once a month

Container	Use For	Looks Like
Glass Jar	Lucky bamboo	Clean and simple
Ceramic Bowl	Floating plants	Pretty and colorful
Plastic Bucket	Bigger plants	Cheap and strong
Metal Container	Mixed plants	Rustic and stylish

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a big garden to enjoy greenery. Just a few water plants in bowls or tubs can change your small balcony into a peaceful garden.

Water plants are super easy, clean, and beautiful. You don’t need soil or much care. Try one or two of these plants today and watch your space come alive! Your balcony will shine with green beauty, and you’ll feel calm every time you step outside.

FAQs

Can water plants live without soil?

Yes, most float or grow in water.

Do I need sunlight for water plants?

Yes, soft or full sunlight is good.

Can I grow them in bowls?

Yes, any bowl or tub is fine.

Do they need fertilizer?

Most don’t, just clean water.

Is it okay to grow them indoors?

Yes, near a window is best.

Malta

I am Malta, a 25-year-old web content writer who enjoys turning ideas into clear and engaging stories. I specialize in writing content that is easy to understand and connects with readers. I am passionate about improving my writing skills every day and creating articles, blogs, and web pages that truly stand out.

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