Emersed plants are aquatic plants that grow partially or fully out of the water with their roots submerged. Many aquarium plants can be grown emersed, such as Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, and more. Emersed growth has many benefits for both the plants and the hobbyists, such as faster growth, better health, easier propagation, and stunning aesthetics. In this article, we will explore the basics of emersed plant growth, the advantages and challenges of this method, and some tips and tricks to successfully grow aquarium plants emersed.
Emersed growth is a term that describes the way some aquatic plants grow above the water surface. Emersed plants have adapted to live in wet environments, such as riverbanks, marshes, swamps, and floodplains. They can survive both submerged and emersed conditions, depending on the water level and season. Emersed plants have different forms and structures when they grow in and out of the water. For example, emersed leaves are usually thicker, stronger, and more colorful than submerged leaves, which are thinner, softer, and more translucent. Emersed plants also tend to produce more flowers and seeds than submerged plants, as they have better access to light, air, and pollinators.
Why Grow Aquarium Plants Emersed?
Growing aquarium plants emersed has many advantages for both the plants and the hobbyists. Some of the benefits are:
Faster growth: Emersed plants grow faster than submerged plants, as they have more carbon dioxide, oxygen, and light available. Emersed plants also have less competition from algae, which can hinder the growth of submerged plants.
Better health: Emersed plants are healthier than submerged plants, as they have less risk of rotting, melting, or getting infected by pathogens. Emersed plants also have stronger roots and stems, which help them absorb nutrients and water more efficiently.
Easier propagation: Emersed plants are easier to propagate than submerged plants, as they can produce more runners, cuttings, and seeds. Emersed plants also have higher survival rates when transplanted, as they are more resilient and adaptable to changes in water parameters and temperature.
Stunning aesthetics: Emersed plants are more beautiful than submerged plants, as they have more vibrant colors, shapes, and textures. Emersed plants also create a natural and realistic look for the aquarium, as they mimic the habitats of many fish and invertebrates.
Growing aquarium plants emersed is not difficult, but it requires some planning and preparation. Here are some steps and tips to grow aquarium plants emersed successfully:
Choose the right plants: Not all aquarium plants can grow emersed, so make sure to do some research before buying or collecting any plants. Some of the best plants for emersed growth are Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, Hygrophila, Ludwigia, Rotala, Bacopa, and more. Avoid plants that are strictly aquatic, such as Vallisneria, Sagittaria, Echinodorus, and Cabomba, as they will not survive out of the water.
Choose the right container: You can use any container that can hold water and plants, such as plastic tubs, glass jars, plastic bottles, or even old aquariums. Make sure the container is clean and has drainage holes at the bottom. The size of the container depends on the number and size of the plants you want to grow. You can also use multiple containers to create different setups and experiments.
Choose the right substrate: You can use any substrate that is suitable for aquatic plants, such as gravel, sand, soil, or aquasoil. The substrate should be moist but not soggy, and have enough nutrients and minerals to support the plant growth. You can also add some fertilizer, such as root tabs or liquid fertilizer, to boost the plant growth. The depth of the substrate depends on the type and size of the plants you want to grow, but generally, 2 to 4 inches is enough.
Choose the right location: You can place the container anywhere that has enough light and air circulation, such as near a window, on a shelf, or on a desk. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the container and cause algae growth. You can also use artificial lighting, such as LED or fluorescent lights, to provide the plants with enough light. The duration and intensity of the light depend on the type and size of the plants you want to grow, but generally, 8 to 12 hours a day is enough.
Plant the plants: You can plant the plants in the substrate as you would in an aquarium, making sure to bury the roots and leave the leaves exposed. You can also use some rocks, wood, or other decorations to create a more natural and attractive look. You can plant the plants densely or sparsely, depending on your preference and design. You can also trim the plants regularly to maintain their shape and size.
Maintain the setup: You need to maintain the setup regularly to ensure the health and growth of the plants. Some of the maintenance tasks are:
Watering: You need to water the plants regularly to keep the substrate moist but not soggy. You can use tap water, rain water, or distilled water, depending on the water quality and hardness. You can also use water from your aquarium, as it contains beneficial bacteria and nutrients. You can water the plants by spraying, misting, or pouring water over the substrate. The frequency and amount of watering depend on the type and size of the plants, the temperature and humidity of the location, and the evaporation rate of the water. Generally, you should water the plants once or twice a week, or whenever the substrate feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizing: You need to fertilize the plants regularly to provide them with enough nutrients and minerals. You can use the same fertilizer that you use for your aquarium plants, such as root tabs or liquid fertilizer. You can also use organic fertilizer, such as compost, worm castings, or fish emulsion. You can fertilize the plants by adding the fertilizer to the substrate or the water. The frequency and amount of fertilizing depend on the type and size of the plants, the quality and quantity of the substrate, and the growth rate of the plants. Generally, you should fertilize the plants once or twice a month, or whenever the plants show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing, wilting, or stunted growth.
Pruning: You need to prune the plants regularly to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts, and to control their shape and size. You can use scissors, tweezers, or your fingers to cut or pluck the unwanted parts. You can also propagate the plants by taking cuttings, runners, or seeds from the healthy parts. You can prune the plants as often as you like, depending on your preference and design. Generally, you should prune the plants once or twice a month, or whenever the plants become too large or overcrowded.
Growing aquarium plants emersed is a fun and rewarding hobby that can enhance the beauty and health of your plants and aquarium. Emersed plants grow faster, healthier, and easier than submerged plants, and create a natural and realistic look for your aquarium. You can grow many aquarium plants emersed, such as Anubias, Java Fern, Cryptocoryne, Bucephalandra, and more, by following some simple steps and tips. Emersed growth is a great way to experiment with different plants, setups, and designs, and to discover the amazing diversity and potential of aquatic plants.
