Plants Suitable for Aquaponics Systems

by Roger Loper

🌿 1. Leafy Greens (Ideal for Beginners)

Leafy greens are the most common and easiest plants to grow in aquaponics due to their low nutrient requirements and fast growth cycles. They thrive in floating raft (DWC) or NFT systems with shallow roots.

  • Lettuce (e.g., Romaine, Butterhead, Iceberg and many others) 
  • Kale 
  • Spinach 
  • Swiss Chard 
  • Pak Choi 
  • Arugula 
  • Microgreens 

🌱 2. Herbs (Great for Small or Indoor Systems)

Herbs are well-suited for aquaponics, especially in NFT or media-based systems. They require minimal space and moderate nutrient levels.

  • Basil 
  • Mint (grow with cation)
  • Parsley 
  • Chives 
  • Cilantro/Coriander 
  • Watercress 

🍅 3. Fruiting Plants (Require Mature, Nutrient-Rich Systems)

Fruiting plants need higher nutrient levels, stable temperatures, and well-established systems (often media beds). They are ideal for experienced growers.

  • Tomatoes 
  • Peppers (e.g., bell peppers, chili peppers) 
  • Cucumbers 
  • Strawberries 
  • Beans 
  • Squash 
  • Melons 
  • Okra 

🥕 4. Root Vegetables (Best for Deep Media Beds)

Root vegetables require deep grow beds (12–18 inches) for proper development and good drainage to prevent rot. They are challenging but possible in media-based systems.

  • Radishes 
  • Carrots 
  • Beets 
  • Shallots 

🌸 5. Flowers (Aesthetic and Functional Benefits)

Flowers can enhance biodiversity, attract pollinators, and act as pest repellents. Some are edible and thrive in aquaponics.

  • Nasturtiums (edible, pest-repellent) 
  • Marigolds (pest-deterrent) 
  • Lavender (aromatic, insect-repellent) 
  • Calendula (medicinal uses) 
  • Orchids (for advanced systems) 
  • Water Lilies (aesthetic, shade-providing) 

🌳 6. Other Plants (Advanced or Experimental)

Some plants are grown in advanced or commercial systems but require specific conditions:

  • Broccoli 
  • Cauliflower 
  • Cabbage 
  • Hemp 
  • Dwarf fruit trees (e.g., citrus, pomegranate) 
  • Bananas 
  • Papaya 

❌ Plants to Avoid in Aquaponics

Some plants are unsuitable due to high nutrient demands, pH conflicts, or root structure issues:

  • Potatoes/Sweet Potatoes: Prone to rot in water-based systems unless you are growing for the greens of sweet potatoes.
  • Corn: Requires excessive nutrients and space but can be grown.
  • Blueberries: Need highly acidic pH (4.5–5.5), which is incompatible with most fish.

đź’ˇ Key Factors for Choosing Plants

  1. System Type:
    • Floating Raft/NFT: Best for leafy greens and herbs.
    • Media Beds: Suitable for fruiting plants, root vegetables, and flowers.
  2. Nutrient Requirements:
    • Leafy greens and herbs thrive in low to moderate nutrients.
    • Fruiting plants need high nutrients from mature systems.
  3. pH and Temperature:
    • Most plants prefer pH 6.0–7.5. Fruiting plants lean toward pH 5.8–6.5 .
    • Cool-water plants (e.g., lettuce) prefer 60–72°F, while warm-water plants (e.g., tomatoes) need 70–80°F .
  4. Light and Space:
    • Leafy greens need 12–16 hours of light; fruiting plants require full sun or high-intensity grow lights.
    • Compact plants (e.g., herbs) are ideal for small systems.

đź’Ž Conclusion

Aquaponics supports a wide variety of plants, from easy-to-grow leafy greens and herbs to more demanding fruiting plants and flowers. Success depends on matching plants to your system type, nutrient availability, and environmental conditions. Avoid plants incompatible with water-based environments or those requiring extreme pH levels. For further details, refer to the sources cited throughout this answer 

 

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