Guide To The Best Indoor Plants For Aquaponics

Growing plants indoors can be rewarding on its own,  but when you pair it with aquaponics, the results become even more impressive. Indoor aquaponics gives you the perfect balance of nature and control: your fish provide a constant source of nutrients, your plants clean the water, and your indoor environment protects the entire system from pests, harsh weather, and unpredictable outdoor conditions.

For beginners, this setup is one of the easiest ways to start experimenting with aquaponics. You don’t need a backyard or a greenhouse, just a small space, a reliable light source, and the right plants. And that last part is important. Choosing the best indoor plants for aquaponics is the fastest way to build confidence and experience early success. Pick the right plants, and your system thrives with very little effort. Pick the wrong ones, and things can quickly become frustrating.

This blog will walk you through the top indoor plants that grow exceptionally well in aquaponics, why they perform better than others, and how to choose the right varieties for your space and setup. By the end, you’ll understand not just what to grow but why these plants are ideal for beginners.

Choosing the right plants is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when setting up an indoor aquaponics system. While aquaponics is incredibly versatile, not all plants grow equally well indoors, and not all plants grow well in a young system. Beginners often experience slow growth or nutrient issues simply because they started with plants that require more stability than their system can initially provide.

To set yourself up for early success, focus on indoor-friendly plants that match the conditions of a typical home environment and the nutrient profile of a developing aquaponics setup.

Here are the key factors to consider in choosing the best indoor plants:

1. Light Requirements

Indoor plants thrive only if they receive enough light. Leafy greens and herbs need relatively low to moderate light, making them perfect for most indoor spaces. Fruiting plants, on the other hand, require stronger, more consistent lighting to produce blooms and fruit.

2. Growth Rate

Fast-growing plants like lettuce, basil, and mint give beginners quick wins and help the system stabilize sooner. Slow-growing or heavy-feeding plants may struggle in the early stages.

3. Nutrient Demands

Young aquaponics systems typically have lower nutrient levels. Choose plants that thrive in mild nutrient conditions. leafy greens and herbs fit this category perfectly. Save nutrient-hungry fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers, strawberries) for later, once your fish load and water quality are well established.

4. Root Structure

Plants with compact root systems grow best in indoor systems, especially if you’re using smaller grow beds or vertical setups. Large, aggressive roots can clog pipes or reduce water flow.

5. Temperature and Humidity Tolerance

Indoor plants should match your home’s natural temperature range. Most aquaponic-friendly plants grow well between 65–75°F (18–24°C), which aligns perfectly with typical indoor conditions.

Top Best Indoor Plants for Aquaponics

1. Leafy Greens (The Most Beginner-Friendly Indoor Plants)

Leafy greens are the superstars of indoor aquaponics. They grow quickly, require minimal light, and thrive in developing systems with lower nutrient levels. This category builds confidence fast, perfect for first-time growers.

a. Lettuce (Butterhead, Romaine, Loose-Leaf)

Lettuce grows exceptionally well indoors because it loves stable temperatures and doesn’t demand intense light. It’s also one of the fastest crops in aquaponics, often ready in just a few weeks.

b. Spinach

Spinach thrives in cooler indoor environments and has shallow roots that adapt well to small systems. It’s nutrient-efficient and perfect for raft setups.

c. Kale

Kale is hardy, nutrient-dense, and forgiving. It adapts well to moderate light conditions and produces consistently throughout the year indoors.

d. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard offers a colorful, vibrant addition to indoor systems. It grows quickly, tolerates a wide temperature range, and thrives with moderate nutrients.

2. Herbs (Low-Light Champions for Indoor Spaces)

Herbs are perfect for limited indoor spaces and small grow beds. Most varieties require minimal upkeep, moderate nutrients, and regular harvesting.

a. Basil

One of the most popular aquaponic herbs. Basil grows rapidly, loves consistent moisture, and performs well even under artificial grow lights.

b. Mint

Mint is extremely hardy and thrives with minimal attention. It can spread aggressively, so using containers or dedicated media pockets is ideal.

c. Parsley

Parsley is slow to start but becomes a steady, prolific producer. It grows best in media bed systems with good water flow.

d. Cilantro

Cilantro prefers cooler temperatures and partial shade, making indoor aquaponics a perfect fit.

e. Chives

Chives tolerate lower light and produce reliably for months. Their compact root structure makes them ideal for small systems.

3. Fruiting Plants That Work Indoors (Best for Intermediate Growers)

Fruiting plants need more nutrients and stronger lighting than greens or herbs, but they can still succeed indoors with proper setup.

a. Cherry Tomatoes

Compact, productive, and ideal for small trellises or support cages. They require strong light but reward growers with continuous harvests.

b. Peppers (Bell, Chili, Mini Varieties)

Peppers perform well in indoor aquaponics systems when given sufficient light and stable nutrient levels. Choose compact varieties for the best results.

13. Strawberries

Strawberries thrive in NFT and vertical aquaponics systems. They love consistent moisture and make beautiful, space-saving indoor crops.

Light Requirements for Indoor Aquaponics Plants

Light is one of the most important  and most misunderstood parts of growing indoor aquaponics plants. Because your system is indoors, your plants rely entirely on the light you provide, not the natural intensity or duration they would get outside. This means your lighting setup can make the difference between fast, vibrant growth and pale, slow-growing plants.

The good news? You don’t need expensive lighting to succeed. You just need to understand the basics of how much light your plants need and how to provide it consistently.

1. Natural Light vs. Grow Lights

If you have a bright window or sunroom, many leafy greens and herbs will grow well using natural sunlight alone. However, most indoor growers still supplement with grow lights to ensure consistent coverage, especially during cloudy days or shorter seasons.

Grow lights offer major advantages:

• Consistent brightness
• Adjustable height
• Timed cycles
• Full-spectrum output that mimics sunlight

A full-spectrum LED grow lights are often the best choice because they’re energy-efficient, produce minimal heat, and work well for nearly all aquaponic plants.

2. How Many Hours of Light Plants Need

As a general rule:

• Leafy greens: 10–14 hours/day
• Herbs: 12–16 hours/day
• Fruiting plants: 14–18 hours/day

You can automate this easily using a timer, something most indoor growers consider a must-have.

3. Signs Your Plants Are Not Getting Enough Light

Beginners often mistake lighting issues for nutrient problems. Here are the most common signs of light deficiency:

• Pale or yellow leaves
• Slow or stunted growth
• Thin, leggy stems
• Leaves pointing upward in search of light
• Reduced yield or weak flavor (especially herbs)

Addressing lighting problems early helps keep your system stable and productive.

4. Choosing the Right Method for Your Indoor Space

If you’re just starting out, pick a system based on:

• Your available space:shelves, countertops, or floor space
• Your light source:window and small LED grow light, or full-spectrum lighting
• Your goals: greens only, herbs only, or a mix including fruiting crops
• Your experience level:media beds and DWC are easiest for beginners

How to Maintain Indoor Plants in an Aquaponics System

Once your plants are growing, the next step is keeping them healthy and the good news is that maintaining indoor aquaponics plants is much easier than most beginners expect. Because indoor systems are protected from pests, extreme temperatures, and rainfall, they tend to be more stable and predictable than outdoor setups. Still, a few simple habits will help your plants grow faster, stay healthier, and produce better yields.

Below are the essential maintenance practices that every indoor aquaponics grower should follow.

1. Maintain Consistent Water Quality

Healthy plants start with healthy water. Indoors, your water parameters remain stable for longer, but regular checks keep your system running smoothly.

Focus on these key parameters:

• pH: Aim for 6.6–7.0
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite:0 ppm
• Nitrate:20–60 ppm (ideal for leafy greens)

Testing takes only a few minutes and is one of the easiest ways to prevent nutrient deficiencies and plant stress.

2. Manage Indoor Pests 

Even indoor growers encounter the occasional pest, especially aphids or fungus gnats. Fortunately, these issues are easy to solve in aquaponics because your system avoids soil, which is where most pests live.

Simple indoor pest strategies:

• Use sticky traps around the grow bed
• Rinse leaves with a gentle water spray
• Release ladybugs if pests appear (safe for indoor systems)
• Improve airflow using a small desk fan

Avoid chemical pesticides, they can harm your fish and disrupt the system.

3. Prune Plants to Maintain Shape and Airflow

Indoor systems have limited space, so pruning is essential for healthy, compact growth.

Good pruning habits:

• Remove yellow or damaged leaves
• Pinch back herbs like basil to promote bushier growth
• Trim older leaves at the bottom of leafy greens
• Remove suckers from tomatoes if growing fruiting crops

Proper pruning keeps plants from shading each other and improves air circulation around leaves.

4. Monitor Humidity and Airflow

Indoor humidity can rise due to evaporating water from tanks and grow beds. While most aquaponic plants tolerate moderate humidity, excessive moisture may encourage mildew or slow evaporative cooling.

To maintain good airflow indoors:

• Keep a small oscillating fan running near the plants
• Ensure your grow area is not overly enclosed
• Use dehumidifiers in very humid environments
  

5. Feed Your Fish Consistently to Support Plant Growth

Plant health is directly linked to fish feeding habits. Overfeeding leads to poor water quality, while underfeeding can starve your plants of nutrients.

Indoor maintenance tip:

• Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily
• Only feed what fish can consume in 1–2 minutes
• Remove excess feed if necessary
  

Common Problems When Growing Indoor Aquaponics Plants and How to Fix Them

Below are the most common issues indoor growers face, along with simple, beginner-friendly solutions you can apply immediately.

1. Yellowing Leaves (Chlorosis)

One of the most frequent concerns in indoor aquaponics is yellowing leaves. While many people assume it’s a sign of nutrient deficiency, the cause can vary depending on the symptoms.

Possible causes:

• pH imbalance
• Low iron levels
• Insufficient lighting
• Young system still maturing

How to fix it:

• Adjust pH to 6.6–7.0
• Supplement with chelated iron (fish-safe) if new leaves turn yellow
• Increase light intensity or duration
• Allow young systems time to stabilize
  

Tip:New growers often misdiagnose yellow leaves. 

2. Slow Plant Growth

If your plants seem stuck or growing unusually slowly, the issue is usually water quality or lighting.

Check for:

• pH drift
• Low nitrate levels
• Insufficient light hours
• Overcrowding in your grow bed

Solutions:

• Test and adjust water parameters
• Ensure plants receive 10–16 hours of light depending on type
• Thin out plants to improve airflow and nutrient access

3. Leggy and Weak Stems

Leggy plants stretch toward light, becoming thin and weak. Indoors, this usually means your lighting intensity or distance is off.

How to fix it:

• Move grow lights closer (8–12 inches above greens)
• Increase number of light hours
• Provide gentle airflow with a fan to strengthen stems

4. Algae Growth

Algae is common in indoor systems when light reaches the water.

Fixes:

• Cover exposed water surfaces
• Use opaque containers
• Reduce light spills into the tank or sump

Algae isn’t dangerous but competes for nutrients, something beginners should manage early.

5. Curling or Drooping Leaves

Leaf curling indoors usually means one of three things: heat stress, inconsistent watering cycles, or nutrient imbalance.

Solutions:

• Ensure grow lights are not too close
• Check for clogged pipes affecting water flow
• Recheck pH and nitrates
  

6. Fungus Gnats and Indoor Pests

While indoor aquaponics eliminates most soil pests, fungus gnats and aphids can still appear.

Simple and safe fixes:

• Yellow sticky traps
• Increased airflow
• Neem oil on leaves only (never in the water)
• Rinsing leaves with water

7. Roots Turning Brown or Developing Slime

Root rot happens when roots sit in low-oxygen water, especially in DWC systems.

How to fix it:

• Improve aeration with an air pump
• Keep water temperatures between 68–72°F (20–22°C)
• Ensure good water movement and no stagnant zones
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Indoor Aquaponics Plants 

Even with the most beginner-friendly plants, indoor aquaponics can run into problems if a few key principles are overlooked. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to watch out for.

1. Choosing Plants That Are Too Demanding

Some readers jump straight into fruiting vegetables indoors, but these crops require high light intensity and stronger nutrient levels. Starting with leafy greens and herbs helps ensure early success and prevents frustration.

2. Ignoring Light Requirements

Indoor setups typically lack natural sunlight, and relying on window light alone often causes leggy, weak plants. Full-spectrum LED grow lights provide the right wavelengths for steady, compact growth. Keep lights 6–12 inches above the canopy and adjust weekly.

3. Overcrowding the Grow Bed

Packing too many plants together limits airflow, increases humidity, and leads to pest issues. Follow proper spacing guidelines, even lettuce needs room to breathe.

4. Letting Water Quality Slide

Inconsistent testing of pH, ammonia, nitrites, or nitrates can quickly impact plant health. A weekly water-quality routine is essential for stable nutrient levels.

5. Skipping System Cycling

If your system isn’t fully cycled before adding plants, nutrient availability becomes erratic. Cycling properly ensures healthy bacteria populations that support consistent plant growth.

Conclusion

By now, you’ve learned which plants thrive indoors, how to select the right system, maintain water quality, and troubleshoot common problems. You understand the key principles that make indoor aquaponics successful and you’re ready to take action.

While this blog gives you a solid foundation, many beginners find that seeing a system in action makes all the difference. That’s where this 5-hour premium aquaponics video course comes in.

Why the Course Is the Next Step

• Step-by-step visual guidance: Watch real systems in action, from seed to harvest.
• System setup simplified: Learn exactly how to assemble media beds, DWC, and vertical systems indoors.
• Plant-specific tips: See how leafy greens, herbs, and fruiting crops perform in different setups.
• Troubleshooting made easy: Learn to identify and fix common problems before they affect plant growth.
• Confidence for beginners: Reduce guesswork, save time, and avoid costly mistakes.
  

Take Action Today

Starting your indoor aquaponics journey is easier than you think. By combining the guidance from this article with our video course, you’ll be ready to grow fresh, healthy plants indoors all year round, with confidence, clarity, and real results.