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The difference between emersed and submersed grown aquarium plants



When it comes to selecting plants for your aquarium, the question of choosing emersed and submersed growth sometimes comes up. Simply put, emersed aquarium plants are propagated above the water surface, while submersed aquarium plants are propagated underwater. However, terminology can vary, with emersed sometimes referred to as "emerged" and submersed as "immersed" or "submerged". While all emersed-grown aquarium plants will transition to underwater growth fairly easily, not all aquatic species are able to grow out of water.

To distinguish between emersed and submersed plants visually, several key features can be observed. Emersed-grown plants typically seem sturdier, characterised by thicker stems and leaves compared to the delicate stems and leaves of their submersed counterparts. Their appearance often varies significantly from their underwater form in terms of leaf arrangements, leaf shape, and especially colouration - as the full development of colours in many species only occurs underwater.

Choosing the right form for your aquarium is an important decision - each form has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Emersed grown plants, with their thicker stems and leaves, have a larger amount of stored nutrients, which allows them to establish faster into the aquarium, particularly in regards to root development. These stored nutrients are important for adapting to their new underwater habitat, as it allows for a relatively quick transition, as well as preventing 'transplant shock' or melt. In many cases, especially when nutrient parameters are different between the growing tank and the receiving tank, submersed grown plants can also melt back significantly. This is especially prominent in plants like Cryptoryne. While emersed grown plants generally do not 'melt', they will drop their existing leaves. As new leaves grow that are better adapted for life underwater, the above water leaves will eventually turn brown and fall off.

Another consideration when choosing between the two forms of growth is whether they will arrive in your tank pest and algae free. Emersed grown plants are always free of algae and aquatic snails, as their leaves have not been in contact with water. Submersed grown plants may also be free of algae and snails but it is not as certain, depending on the circumstances in which these plants have been grown underwater.

One of the disadvantages to emerse grown plants is that the plants are not immediately colourful. You will generally have to wait a few days for the plant to start showing some colour - and a few weeks for the vibrant underwater form to be fully established. Submersed grown plants generally look exactly as you would expect them to look in the aquarium.

One of the most significant downsides to submersed grown plants is that they are far more fragile in regards to shipping and handling than emersed grown plants. We highly recommend emerse grown species over submersed grown species where possible, as they will easily survive more than twice as long in transit. This also generally means that for the same time in transit, emersed grown plants will arrive healthier.

The choice between emersed and submersed aquatic plants ultimately depends on individual preferences and specific setups. While submersed plants require less patience and are more colourful from the start, emersed-grown plants have their own merits and offer distinct advantages with their resilience and adaptability.

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