How to Use Houseplants as Natural Aquarium Filters

It starts with pothos. You've seen it—maybe even tried it. That humble vine dangling its roots into an aquarium, soaking up nitrates like a green superhero. It's a clever hack, and it works. But what if you could go way beyond it?

This post is for anyone who searched "pothos aquarium filter" and is ready to level up. We’ll show you why pothos became the gateway plant for natural filtration, and how you can build a cleaner, more design-forward system with Mossari planters and a whole world of houseplants.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why pothos is the starter plant for natural filtration
  • The limitations of just sticking a plant in your tank
  • The benefits of using wicking planters instead
  • Which houseplants go beyond pothos to create a living filter

Pothos in the Aquarium: Why It Took Off

Let’s be honest: pothos is kind of a gateway plant. It's ridiculously easy to grow, basically unkillable, and will sprout roots in anything from a mason jar to your fish tank.

When it comes to natural filtration, pothos earns its reputation:

  • It sucks up nitrates fast
  • It adapts to low light and humidity
  • It doesn’t mind wet roots

No wonder aquarium folks love it.

But here's the thing: dangling pothos in your tank is a good start, not a final solution.

The Problem With the "Just Stick a Pothos in It" Approach

We get the appeal. Clip a vine, toss it in, done. But that quick fix comes with trade-offs:

  • Messy roots cloud the tank
  • Suction cups and wires clutter your setup
  • The plant isn’t really growing in the right medium
  • You’re limited to one kind of plant

You’re not building a sustainable system. You’re improvising one.

There’s a Better Way: Wicking Planters for Aquarium-Top Filtration

Instead of hanging roots in water, Mossari planters use a wick to draw water from the aquarium up to the plant's soil.

That means:

  • Roots grow in soil, not directly in water
  • The wick provides a steady, passive supply of nutrients
  • The plant thrives while filtering out excess nitrates and phosphates

It unlocks a much bigger plant palette.

Beyond Pothos: Plants That Love a Wicking Setup

With a wicking planter, you’re not limited to pothos anymore. You can grow:

  • Peace lily
  • Syngonium
  • Calathea
  • Spider plant
  • Monstera adansonii

These plants can act as biofilters when their roots are kept moist via a wick. But they wouldn't thrive if you just stuck them straight into your tank.

Mossari planters are the bridge.

Clean Design Meets Clean Water

A Mossari wicking planter sits right on top of your aquarium, drawing water through a hidden wick. No cords, clips, or root tangles in the tank. Just a beautifully integrated system that looks intentional.

And because the plant lives in soil, not water, you get better long-term health and less risk of root rot. It’s a closed-loop aesthetic upgrade for your tank and your space.

A More Sustainable Aquarium Setup

Using wicking planters with the right houseplants reduces the need for constant water changes and helps stabilize your tank's ecosystem. It mimics the natural balance found in wild aquatic environments.

Mossari planters are 3D-printed using eco-friendly materials and designed to fit seamlessly into your home.

Final Thoughts: It’s Okay to Start with Pothos

It’s familiar. It’s easy. And it works.

But the real magic happens when you move beyond the basics. When you stop hacking a solution and start building one.

Explore Mossari planters and discover how beautiful and functional your tank-top garden can really be.

FAQ: From Pothos to Planters

Can I put pothos in a Mossari planter?
Yes. It works great. But now you can grow so much more.

Will plants filter as well from the soil?
Yes. As water wicks up, roots absorb nutrients just like in a hydro setup. Plus, soil offers better support and oxygen access.

Is this setup safe for fish and shrimp?
Yes. The roots stay out of the tank, so there’s no risk of tangling or decay in the water.

What lighting do these plants need?
Most thrive in indirect light or from ambient aquarium lighting. You can always add a grow light if needed.

Want to go beyond pothos?
Start with a Mossari wicking planter and see what else you can grow.

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