Designing an Indoor Water Feature
Creating an indoor water feature in your Florida workplace is a fantastic way to infuse a calming, tropical vibe into your space. Given the state’s climate, selecting plants for a water feature requires choosing species that thrive in high humidity and indirect light and can withstand occasional water submersion.
At Tropex, we specialize in designing beautiful indoor plantscapes – here are some of our best recommendations for plants you may wish to incorporate into an indoor water feature.
Peace lilies are a classic choice for water features, especially in humid conditions. Known for their elegant white blooms and lush green foliage, they thrive in low to moderate light, making them perfect for an indoor atrium. Peace lilies can also grow with their roots submerged in water, which makes them ideal for water features. However, make sure the water doesn’t stagnate; replace it regularly to maintain plant health.
Bamboo is a versatile, hardy plant that works beautifully in water features. It is often associated with Zen gardens and adds a tranquil, exotic feel to any space. Bamboo is well-suited to moist, humid environments and can even tolerate periods of submersion. In an indoor atrium, you can plant it in shallow water or in containers near the water feature. Just be sure to choose a variety that won’t spread uncontrollably, as bamboo can be invasive if not properly managed.
Creeping Jenny is a low-growing, spreading plant often used for ground cover in water features. It thrives in moist conditions and can grow both submerged and partially submerged. Its small, round leaves create a lush carpet of green that cascades beautifully over the edges of the water feature. The plant also tolerates partial sun, making it well-suited for the varying light conditions found in many atriums. It’s particularly attractive in combination with other taller plants.
Water Lettuce is a floating plant with light, airy foliage that creates a soft, green surface on the water. This plant is particularly effective in water features with areas of standing water, as it spreads quickly across the surface. Water lettuce thrives in Florida’s climate, as it enjoys humid conditions and partial to full sun. It’s easy to maintain, but be sure to monitor it, as it can become invasive if left unchecked.
Ferns are a great choice for creating a lush, tropical water feature. The Boston fern, in particular, is known for its ability to thrive in high humidity. Ferns require indirect light, and they love the moist conditions created by a water feature. Their feathery, delicate foliage can add texture and contrast to the strong lines of other plants like bamboo or lotus.
Lotuses are a stunning, iconic aquatic plant known for their large, fragrant blooms. They require deeper water than some of the other plants mentioned here, but they create a dramatic focal point in any water feature. Lotuses thrive in Florida’s heat and humidity and can add an exotic touch to an indoor atrium with filtered light.
The Umbrella Plant exhibits tall, fan-shaped leaves that add a bold and tropical look. It can grow in standing water, and its upright growth habit complements the more cascading plants, like creeping Jenny. The umbrella plant is relatively low-maintenance, needing only moderate light and consistent moisture to thrive.
Air plants are a unique and modern choice for an indoor water feature. They don’t require soil to grow, as they absorb moisture and nutrients from the air. Air plants love humidity, making them well-suited to an atrium setting. They need to be misted regularly and should not be fully submerged in water. When placed around the water feature, they can add a whimsical, airy texture to the overall design.
Combining a variety of plant types and textures ensures that your water feature will not only look beautiful but will also thrive year-round in Florida’s tropical climate. If you need help designing an eye-catching water feature for your place of business, call Tropex today.
