The answer to this question is it depends on the type of plant. Some aquarium plants can grow both above and below the water surface, while others need to be fully submerged to thrive. In this article, we will explore the different types of aquarium plants and how to care for them properly.
Aquarium plants need water for several reasons. First, water provides them with the necessary nutrients and minerals that they absorb through their roots or leaves. Second, water helps them maintain their shape and structure by providing turgor pressure. Third, water allows them to perform photosynthesis, the process of converting light energy into chemical energy.
Photosynthesis is essential for aquarium plants, as it enables them to produce oxygen and organic compounds that they use for growth and reproduction. However, not all aquarium plants perform photosynthesis in the same way. Some plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) dissolved in water, while others use CO2 from the air. This affects how much water they need and how they should be planted.
Types of Aquarium Plants
Aquarium plants can be classified into three main types based on their photosynthetic preferences: submerged, emergent, and floating.
Submerged Plants
Submerged plants are those that need to be fully submerged in water to perform photosynthesis. They use CO2 dissolved in water and have adapted to low-light conditions. Some examples of submerged plants are java fern, anubias, hornwort, and cabomba.
Submerged plants are easy to care for, as they do not require any special substrate, fertilizer, or lighting. However, they may need supplemental CO2 injection to boost their growth and prevent algae growth. Submerged plants can be attached to rocks, driftwood, or other decorations, or planted in the substrate with their roots.
Emergent Plants
Emergent plants are those that can grow both above and below the water surface. They use CO2 from the air and have adapted to high-light conditions. Some examples of emergent plants are amazon sword, crypts, ludwigia, and bacopa.
Emergent plants are more demanding than submerged plants, as they require a nutrient-rich substrate, fertilizer, and high-intensity lighting. They also need to be trimmed regularly to prevent them from overgrowing and blocking the light for other plants. Emergent plants can be planted in the substrate with their stems or rhizomes, or in pots or baskets.
Floating Plants
Floating plants are those that float on the water surface and do not need to be anchored to anything. They use CO2 from the air and have adapted to high-light conditions. Some examples of floating plants are duckweed, water lettuce, frogbit, and salvinia.
Floating plants are the easiest to care for, as they do not require any substrate, fertilizer, or lighting. They also provide shade, filtration, and hiding places for fish and other aquatic creatures. However, they can also multiply quickly and cover the entire water surface, reducing the oxygen and light levels for other plants and animals. Floating plants can be controlled by removing excess plants manually or using a net or skimmer.
Aquarium plants need water to survive, but not all of them need to be fully submerged. Depending on the type of plant, they may need different levels of water, CO2, nutrients, and light. By choosing the right plants for your aquarium and providing them with the proper care, you can create a beautiful and healthy aquatic environment for yourself and your fish.
