Plants That Grow Out Of Water
Introduction
Aquariums are miniature ecosystems teeming with life, and the plants within them play a crucial role. While most aquarists focus on submerged aquatic plants, there’s a fascinating category that extends beyond the water’s surface: emergent aquatic plants. These unique green companions grow partially or entirely out of the water, adding a touch of wild beauty to your aquarium. Let’s dive into the world of emergent plants and explore their benefits, care tips, and some fantastic species for beginners.
What Are Emergent Aquarium Plants?
Emergent plants are those that extend their stems and leaves above the waterline. They thrive both in the aquatic environment and in the open air. Here are some examples of emergent aquatic plants:
Reeds: Tall and graceful, reeds (such as Phragmites australis) sway in the breeze along the water’s edge.
Cattails: These iconic plants (genus Typha) have cylindrical flower spikes and provide shelter for aquatic creatures.
Bulrushes: Also known as Schoenoplectus, bulrushes grow in dense clusters and stabilize the shoreline.
Papyrus: With its triangular stems and umbrella-like inflorescences, papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) adds an exotic touch.
Floating-Leaved Pondweeds: These aquatic plants (genus Potamogeton) have leaves that float on the water’s surface.
Benefits of Emergent Plants
Why should you consider adding emergent plants to your aquarium? Let’s explore their advantages:
Water Filtration: Emergent plants absorb excess nutrients, helping maintain water quality and clarity.
Habitat and Protection: They provide shelter for fish, frogs, and other aquatic wildlife. Fry (baby fish) find refuge among their roots.
Aesthetic Appeal: Emergent plants create a natural and visually appealing environment, enhancing the overall beauty of your tank.
Top Emergent Aquarium Plants for Beginners
As a newcomer to aquascaping, you’ll appreciate the hardiness and versatility of these emersed plants:
Anubias (Anubias spp.):
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Anubias can thrive both emersed and submerged.
Care Tips: Low to moderate light as to much may burn or damage plant, attach to driftwood or rocks (avoid burying the rhizome).
Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus):
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Java Fern adapts well and requires minimal maintenance.
Care Tips: Low to moderate light or even uv lamp, attach to driftwood or rocks (rhizome should not be buried).
Cryptocoryne Wendtii:
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Hardy and available in various colors and shapes.
Care Tips: Low to moderate light, balanced and not to tidal water parameters.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.):
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Although not a traditional aquarium plant, Peace Lilies thrive emersed and improve air quality.
Care Tips:
Low to moderate light, occasional pruning.
Amazon Sword (Echinodorus amazonicus):
Why It’s Great for Beginners: Hardy and can be grown emersed initially.
Care Tips: Medium to high light, use root tab fertilization.
Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina)
Overview
The inch plant, also known as the wandering jew, is a popular choice for both indoor and aquatic environments. Its striking purple and silver-striped leaves make it a captivating addition to any aquarium. Here’s what you need to know about this delightful plant:
Appearance: Inch plants have elongated leaves with a velvety texture. The purple undersides of the leaves add a touch of drama.
Growth Habit: These plants are trailing and can cascade down the sides of your aquarium, creating a lush curtain of foliage.
Care Tips:
Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid direct or hot conditions from sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and dry them out.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged or just grow in water with nothing else. If in soil make sure the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Humidity: Inch plants appreciate high humidity levels.
Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings.
Why Choose Inch Plants?
Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant purple leaves add a pop of color to your aquarium.
Low Maintenance: Inch plants are forgiving and adapt well to varying conditions.
Air Purification: Like other houseplants, they help improve air quality.
Elephant Ear Plants (Alocasia spp.)
Overview
Elephant ear plants are named for their large, heart-shaped leaves that resemble elephant ears. While they are commonly grown as houseplants, some species can thrive in aquatic setups. Here’s what you should know about these majestic plants:
Leaf Variations: Elephant ear leaves come in various patterns and colors, from deep green to variegated shades.
Size: Depending on the species, the leaves can range from a few inches to several feet in length.
Care Tips:
Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged or grow in a gravel. If in soild Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Temperature: These plants prefer warm temperatures.
Fertilization: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Why Choose Elephant Ear Plants?
Dramatic Foliage: The oversized leaves create a bold and tropical look.
Statement Piece: Elephant ear plants serve as eye-catching focal points in your aquarium.
Easy to Grow: With proper care, they thrive and multiply.
Join the Discussion!
Have you experimented with emergent plants in your aquarium? Share your experiences, experiments, tips, and photos in the comments below with us! Let’s celebrate the lush greenery that bridges the aquatic and terrestrial worlds.
