Exploring the Natural Wonders of Aquatic Habitats: An Interview with Juliana Leroy

At Happy Houseplants, we celebrate the beauty and importance of living spaces filled with greenery. But what if the plants we love at home could also deepen our understanding of ecosystems and conservation? That’s where Juliana Leroy comes in. A leading aquatic botanist and passionate explorer, Juliana’s work bridges the natural wonders of South America’s aquatic ecosystems with the care and appreciation we can bring to our homes.

Her expeditions uncover the intricate balance of nature, showing us how plants survive and thrive in their native habitats. For those of us who love houseplants and aquariums, her insights are invaluable. They reveal how we can create beautiful, harmonious environments that mimic nature while nurturing a greater respect for biodiversity. Juliana’s work reminds us that our plants aren’t just decorations—they’re living connections to a larger, fragile world worth protecting.

Challenges and Conservation

Juliana’s work takes her deep into South America’s most biodiverse regions, such as the Amazon basin and the Pantanal wetlands. These areas are home to some of the most unique and fragile aquatic ecosystems on the planet. They are also under immense pressure from deforestation, illegal mining, and pollution, threatening not only the plants and animals that live there but also the balance of the global climate.

Her research sheds light on these threats and highlights the importance of preserving these regions. For Juliana, every plant she studies—whether a vibrant aquatic fern or a delicate flowering species—tells a story about adaptation, survival, and the need for harmony with nature. By understanding these ecosystems, we can take small but meaningful steps to reduce our impact on the environment, even from our homes.

For Happy Houseplants readers, these stories resonate. Whether you’re caring for a rare houseplant or setting up an aquarium, terrarium or simple houseplant shelf, there’s a shared appreciation for nurturing life and respecting its origins. Juliana’s work encourages us to look beyond the beauty of our plants and understand their place in a larger environmental context.

Why is it important to take people to these natural habitats in person?

Taking people to these habitats creates a profound connection that no book, photo, or video can replicate. Immersion in nature allows participants to experience the beauty and complexity of these environments with all their senses—the sound of water, the feel of damp soil, and the sight of submerged plants thriving in their natural settings.

This direct contact often transforms perspectives. Participants come away with a new appreciation for the delicate balance of ecosystems and a deeper sense of responsibility for their preservation. Beyond conservation, these experiences have a meditative quality, helping people disconnect from daily life and reconnect with the natural world.

What is it like to join one of your aquatic expeditions?

Joining an aquatic expedition is an adventure like no other. Nature is unpredictable, and that unpredictability makes the experience so enriching. Participants often discover hidden depths within themselves, becoming more attuned to details, testing their physical and mental limits, and learning to embrace the unexpected.

One of the most intense moments is during dives, where the underwater silence amplifies reflection and connection with the environment. The experience can be a whirlwind of emotions—from fear and caution to awe and euphoria—reminding us of our place in nature’s grand scale. Watching participants return home transformed, with a renewed appreciation for conservation and resilience, is the most rewarding aspect of these journeys.

What surprising discoveries from your research could change how we think about plant care?

During my PhD, I studied the role of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in aquatic plant roots. These fungi facilitate nutrient exchange and may have even supported the transition of charophytes—aquatic ancestors of terrestrial plants—to land. While this theory is still being explored, it underscores the importance of symbiotic relationships for plant survival and adaptation.

In aquarium care, this research highlights the significance of substrate microbiota. Healthy microorganisms in the soil or substrate can enhance plant vitality, especially for plants transitioning from sterile environments. Introducing beneficial fungi and microorganisms may be key to fostering healthier, more resilient plants in aquariums and indoor gardens alike.

What do you hope to inspire when you share images and videos of natural habitats?

My goal is to showcase both the beauty and vulnerability of these ecosystems. By sharing their splendour, I hope to inspire awareness and action to protect them. Many of the habitats I document are under constant threat, with some already lost to environmental destruction.

Beyond raising awareness, I encourage enthusiasts to go deeper—to understand the ecosystems they want to replicate, not just imitate their appearance. A true biotope reflects the natural dynamics of its environment, fostering respect for the intricate connections that sustain life.

Bringing Nature into Our Lives

As we wrap up this conversation with Juliana, we’re reminded of the profound connections between our passion for plants and the ecosystems that inspire them. Her work challenges us to look beyond aesthetics and embrace the harmony and complexity of nature, both in our homes and beyond.

For more interviews, expert advice, and houseplant care tips, follow Happy Houseplants on social media or explore our blog. Looking to bring nature’s beauty into your space? Check out our aquascaping plants and accessories to start creating your own natural habitats today.

If you’re as captivated by Juliana’s passion and work as we are, you can explore even more of her incredible adventures here:

• Website: Caminhos Desconhecidos
• YouTube: Caminhos Desconhecidos Channel

On her YouTube channel, Juliana, alongside her husband Daniel and their adorable dog Aloha, takes you on breathtaking journeys into the underwater world. With over 20 years of experience, she shares extraordinary footage of freshwater expeditions, rare aquatic plants, fascinating fish, and unforgettable moments filled with humour and adventure.

For even more stunning content, follow her on Instagram @caminhosdesconhecidos, where you’ll find behind-the-scenes glimpses, incredible photography, and inspiring updates from their travels.

A simple follow and like can go a long way in supporting Juliana’s mission to document and protect these fragile ecosystems. Let’s show our appreciation for her dedication to preserving the natural world.

Thank you, Juliana, for sharing your insights and passion with us! 🌿

About Juliana Leroy

Juliana Leroy is a leading aquatic botanist and researcher dedicated to documenting and preserving South America’s aquatic ecosystems. Her fieldwork highlights the resilience and ecological importance of aquatic plants, inspiring hobbyists to connect with nature on a deeper level. Follow Juliana’s journey on Instagram for breathtaking visuals and updates on her transformative work.

A Note on Juliana’s Photos

All of the stunning photos shared here are owned by Juliana Leroy and reflect her incredible dedication to capturing the beauty of aquatic ecosystems. If you’d like to use them, please reach out to her for kind permission. Let’s respect and support her amazing work! 🌿

Why Should You Care? Explore and Support Conservation

At Happy Houseplants, we believe that every plant we bring into our homes has a story—a connection to the natural world that inspires and sustains us. Yes, we’re a shop, but we’re also passionate about what plants represent: a bridge to something bigger, a way to bring the beauty of the planet into your living space.

Books to Explore

Aquatic Habitats: Aquariums Inspired by Nature by Tai Strietman
A comprehensive guide to creating naturalistic aquariums that honour aquatic ecosystems.
Pre-order here

Wildlife of the Pantanal by James Lowen
A stunning visual exploration of the biodiversity in one of the world’s most incredible wetlands. Buy here

Documentaries to Watch

David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet
This moving documentary highlights the urgency of conservation efforts and the beauty of Earth’s ecosystems. See here

River
An immersive film exploring the importance of rivers to life on Earth, featuring stunning visuals of waterways and their surrounding ecosystems. See here

Chasing Coral
A fascinating and sobering look at the world’s disappearing coral reefs and the scientists racing to save them. See here

Organisations Supporting Conservation

Rainforest Trust
An organisation dedicated to protecting endangered rainforests and critical habitats worldwide.
Visit their website

WWF’s Amazon Program
Learn about WWF’s work to conserve the Amazon rainforest, including its aquatic ecosystems.
Explore here

Project Piaba
A unique initiative promoting sustainable fishery practices in the Amazon, benefiting local communities and conserving aquatic habitats.
Discover more