The appeal of plants with broad, flat leaves, reminiscent of water lilies, can be brought indoors. While true outdoor water lilies are not suitable for typical indoor settings, specific aquatic and terrestrial plants can flourish indoors, capturing this desired appearance.
Understanding “Lily Pad Plants” for Indoor Spaces
Real water lilies and lotus plants are generally not suited for common indoor environments due to their size and aquatic requirements. However, plants evoking the “lily pad” aesthetic indoors fall into two categories. Small aquatic plants thrive in compact indoor water features or aquariums. Examples include dwarf water lily varieties like Nymphaea ‘Pygmaea Rubra’, which produce miniature pads and flowers. Other floating aquatic options are Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and European Frogbit (Hydrocharus morsus-ranae), both featuring floating, rounded leaves.
The second category comprises terrestrial houseplants with round, pad-like foliage, though not aquatic. A popular example is Peperomia polybotrya, often called Raindrop Peperomia. Its distinct, glossy, heart-shaped leaves have a thick, succulent-like quality that stores water. Another plant mistaken for a lily pad plant due to its round, pancake-shaped leaves is Pilea peperomioides, also known as the Chinese Money Plant.
Cultivating Aquatic “Lily Pad” Plants Indoors
Growing small aquatic “lily pad” plants indoors requires a specific setup. Suitable containers include glass bowls, mini ponds, or aquariums, with dwarf water lilies thriving in containers as small as 15 gallons. For substrate, aquatic soil or gravel can be used; some varieties like Water Lettuce have free-floating roots that do not require soil. The water level should remain at least 12 inches above the plant’s pot for water lilies.
Adequate lighting helps these plants thrive. Bright, indirect light is suitable, but specialized LED grow lights provide the light needed for optimal growth and flowering. A consistent light cycle of 8 to 12 hours per day is recommended. Water quality is important; dechlorinated water is essential, and consistent water changes maintain freshness and prevent stagnation. Water lettuce prefers water temperatures between 70°F and 80°F (21-30°C) and medium to high humidity. Aquatic plant fertilizers or nutrient tabs support healthy growth, especially for flowering varieties.
Caring for Terrestrial Plants with Lily Pad-like Leaves
Terrestrial plants with lily pad-like leaves, such as Peperomia polybotrya, have different care requirements than their aquatic counterparts. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, doing well near a north or east-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while insufficient light leads to leggy growth. For soil, a well-draining potting mix is needed, such as peat, perlite, and coarse sand, or a mix of potting soil with succulent and cactus mix. Good drainage prevents root rot, so pots with drainage holes are recommended.
Watering should occur when the top half or three-quarters of the soil feels dry to the touch, as Peperomia polybotrya stores water in its thick leaves and stems. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Temperature preferences for Raindrop Peperomia are between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C), though they can tolerate temperatures up to 80°F (27°C). While they appreciate moderate to high humidity, they adapt to average household humidity levels.
Fertilize lightly during the growing season (spring through summer) using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, about once a month. Repotting is needed every two to three years.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Both aquatic and terrestrial “lily pad” plants can encounter issues affecting their health. For aquatic plants, algae growth is a common concern, from excessive light or nutrient imbalances. Reducing light duration or adjusting nutrient levels helps manage algae. Yellowing leaves on aquatic plants signal nutrient deficiencies or poor water quality, requiring water changes or aquatic fertilizers.
Terrestrial plants like Peperomia polybotrya can also show distress. Yellowing leaves are a symptom of watering issues, either overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering leads to soft, yellowing leaves and root rot, while underwatering might result in soft leaves.
Browning leaf tips indicate low humidity, addressed by a humidifier or pebble tray.
Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs, managed with horticultural treatments.
Leggy growth, where stems become elongated with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light, suggesting the plant needs a brighter, indirect light source.