Some plants can grow fully submerged in water, such as eel grass, water milfoil, and moth orchids. These plants are adapted to aquatic environments and can thrive without soil. They can be used for hydroponic gardening, aquarium decoration, or indoor plant propagation. In this article, we will explore the benefits, challenges, and tips of growing plants fully submerged in water.
Benefits of Growing Plants Fully Submerged in Water
Growing plants fully submerged in water has several advantages over growing them in soil. Some of the benefits are:
No soil-related problems: Soil can harbor pests, diseases, and weeds that can harm your plants. It can also retain too much or too little moisture, affecting the plant’s health. By growing plants in water, you can avoid these issues and have more control over the water quality and nutrient levels.
Easy maintenance: Growing plants in water requires less work than growing them in soil. You don’t need to water, weed, or prune your plants as often. You only need to change the water regularly and add some fertilizer to keep your plants healthy and happy.
Space-saving: Growing plants in water can save you space, especially if you use glass jars or vases. You can place them on windowsills, shelves, or tables without taking up much room. You can also create beautiful arrangements with different plants and vessels to suit your style and preference.
Propagating new plants: Growing plants in water can help you propagate new plants from cuttings. Many plants can form roots in water and grow into new plants. You can then transplant them to soil or keep them in water indefinitely. This is a great way to multiply your plant collection or share them with your friends and family.
Challenges of Growing Plants Fully Submerged in Water
Growing plants fully submerged in water is not without its challenges. Some of the difficulties are:
Lack of oxygen: Plants need oxygen to respire and grow. In soil, oxygen is available in the air spaces between the soil particles. In water, oxygen is dissolved in the water and can be depleted by the plants and other organisms. If the water is not aerated or changed frequently, the plants can suffocate and die.
Lack of nutrients: Plants need nutrients to perform various functions and processes. In soil, nutrients are available in the organic matter and mineral particles. In water, nutrients are limited and can be used up by the plants and other organisms. If the water is not fertilized or changed regularly, the plants can starve and die.
Algae growth: Algae are microscopic plants that can grow in water, especially if there is enough light and nutrients. Algae can compete with your plants for oxygen and nutrients, and also make the water cloudy and unsightly. If the water is not filtered or changed regularly, algae can overgrow and harm your plants.
Plant selection: Not all plants can grow fully submerged in water. Some plants are obligate emergents, meaning they need their leaves to be above the water surface. Some plants are obligate aquatics, meaning they need their leaves to be below the water surface. Some plants are facultative, meaning they can grow either way. You need to choose the right plants for your water garden, depending on their growth habit and requirements.
Growing plants fully submerged in water can be rewarding and enjoyable, if you follow some tips and tricks. Some of the tips are:
Choose the right plants: As mentioned above, you need to choose the right plants for your water garden, depending on their growth habit and requirements. Some of the best plants that can grow fully submerged in water are eel grass, water milfoil, and moth orchids. Eel grass (Vallisneria) is an underwater plant that grows with its foliage totally submerged underwater. It can form dense carpets of green leaves that provide shelter and oxygen for fish and other aquatic animals. Water milfoil (Myriophyllum) is an emergent plant that grows with its foliage both under and above the water surface. It can produce feathery leaves and pink flowers that add beauty and color to your water garden. Moth orchid (Phalaenopsis) is a flowering plant that can grow with its roots submerged in water and its leaves and flowers above the water surface. It can produce stunning blooms that last for months and come in various colors and patterns.
Choose the right vessels: You can grow plants fully submerged in water in almost any vessel that can hold water, such as glass jars, vases, bottles, bowls, or aquariums. However, you need to consider some factors when choosing the right vessels for your plants. Some of the factors are:
Size: The size of the vessel should match the size of the plant. You don’t want to overcrowd your plants or limit their growth. You also don’t want to waste water or space. Choose a vessel that can accommodate the plant’s roots and leaves comfortably, with some room for growth.
Shape: The shape of the vessel should suit the shape of the plant. You don’t want to distort your plants or restrict their movement. You also don’t want to create dead spots or stagnant areas. Choose a vessel that can support the plant’s form and function, with some circulation and aeration.
Material: The material of the vessel should be compatible with the water and the plant. You don’t want to contaminate your water or harm your plant. You also don’t want to create algae or bacterial problems. Choose a vessel that is clean, durable, and non-reactive, with some transparency and breathability.
Provide the right conditions: You need to provide the right conditions for your plants to grow fully submerged in water, such as light, temperature, and pH. Some of the conditions are:
Light: Plants need light to photosynthesize and grow. The amount and quality of light they need depend on their species and variety. Some plants need high light, some need medium light, and some need low light. You need to provide the appropriate light for your plants, either from natural or artificial sources. You also need to avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat your water and cause algae growth.
Temperature: Plants need a suitable temperature to grow and thrive. The optimal temperature range for most plants is between 65°F and 75°F. You need to maintain a stable and consistent temperature for your plants, either by using a heater or a cooler. You also need to avoid extreme temperatures, as they can stress your plants and cause damage or death.
pH: Plants need a balanced pH to absorb nutrients and perform metabolic functions. The ideal pH range for most plants is between 6.0 and 7.5. You need to monitor and adjust the pH of your water, either by using a pH meter or a pH adjuster. You also need to avoid drastic pH fluctuations, as they can shock your plants and cause nutrient deficiencies or toxicities.
Change the water regularly: You need to change the water regularly to keep your plants healthy and happy. Changing the water can help you:
Remove waste and toxins: Plants and other organisms can produce waste and toxins that can accumulate in the water and harm your plants. Changing the water can help you remove these substances and prevent them from reaching toxic levels.
Replenish oxygen and nutrients: Plants and other organisms can consume oxygen and nutrients that can deplete in the water and limit your plant’s growth. Changing the water can help you replenish these elements and provide them at optimal levels.
Prevent algae growth: Algae can grow in the water, especially if there is enough light and nutrients. Algae can compete with your plants for oxygen and nutrients, and also make the water cloudy and unsightly. Changing the water can help you prevent algae growth and keep your water clear and clean.
You should change the water at least once a week, or more often if needed. You should use fresh, clean, and chlorine-free water, preferably at the same temperature and pH as the old water. You should also rinse your vessels and plants gently to remove any dirt or debris.
Fertilize the water occasionally: You need to fertilize the water occasionally to feed your plants and boost their growth. Fertilizing the water can help you:
Provide essential nutrients: Plants need essential nutrients to perform various functions and processes. In water, nutrients are limited and can be used up by the plants and other organisms. Fertilizing the water can help you provide the essential nutrients that your plants need, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and trace elements.
Enhance plant health and appearance: Plants need adequate nutrients to grow and thrive. Fertilizing the water can help you enhance your plant’s health and appearance, such as increasing their size, color, and vigor, improving their resistance to pests and diseases, and stimulating their flowering and fruiting.
You should fertilize the water every two to four weeks, or as needed. You should use a water-soluble fertilizer, preferably formulated for aquatic plants. You should follow the manufacturer’s directions and apply the fertilizer at 1/4 strength. You should also avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause nutrient imbalances or burn your plants.
Conclusion
Growing plants fully submerged in water can be a fun and rewarding hobby. You can enjoy the benefits of growing plants without soil, such as easy maintenance, space-saving, propagating new plants, and creating beautiful arrangements. You can also overcome the challenges of growing plants without soil, such as lack of oxygen, lack of nutrients, algae growth, and plant selection. By choosing the right plants, vessels, and conditions, and by changing the water and fertilizing the water regularly, you can grow healthy and happy plants fully submerged in water. You can also experiment with different plants and vessels to create your own unique water garden. Whether you want to grow eel grass, water milfoil, moth orchids, or other plants, you can find a way to grow them fully submerged in water and enjoy their beauty and benefits.
