Aquarium plants play a crucial role in creating a healthy and vibrant aquatic ecosystem. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the aquarium but also provide numerous benefits to the overall well-being of the aquarium inhabitants.
When it comes to selecting aquarium plants, there are two main types: submerged-grown (also known as submersed or aquatic) plants and emersed-grown (also known as emerged or terrestrial) plants. While both types can be used in aquariums, there are distinct advantages to using submerged-grown plants over emersed-grown plants.
The choice between using submerged and emersed grown aquarium plants can have a significant impact on the overall success of your aquarium. Both types of plants have their advantages, but submerged grown plants are by far better. Understand the benefits of using plants that are already growing submerged can help guide the decision-making process.
Submerged-grown aquarium plants are those that have been grown fully submerged underwater in our facility. These plants are specifically adapted to thrive in aquatic environments, and as such, they offer several benefits when compared to emersed-grown plants.
Have you seen how fast emersed plants lose their leaves? And sometimes don’t have the energy to replace them?
That is because emersed plants leaves are not developed to survive submerged and therefore need to be replaced as soon as the plant can afford to do so. This add more stress on plants that are being transplanted and might even lead to plant losses.
While submerged grown plants do not need to develop new leaves and roots to survive, they already have them in place.
To understand this better here are some pointers:
When an aquarium plant with emersed leaves is transitioned to a submerged environment, the emersed leaves may die off for several reasons. One of the main reasons is the difference in the way emersed and submerged leaves are adapted to different environments, particularly in terms of their structure and function.
Emersed leaves are adapted to grow in air and have a higher stomatal density compared to submerged leaves. This allows them to efficiently exchange gases with the atmosphere, including taking in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) for photosynthesis. However, when emersed leaves are submerged, they are no longer able to access atmospheric CO2, as the gas exchange occurs in the water through diffusion. This change in the availability of CO2 can result in a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis in the emersed leaves, which can lead to reduced energy production and ultimately cause the leaves to die off.
Furthermore, emersed leaves are typically adapted to prevent excessive water loss through transpiration. They have specialized structures, such as a waxy cuticle and stomatal regulation, to minimize water loss in air. However, when emersed leaves are submerged, they are exposed to a completely different environment with high water availability, which can result in an increased risk of water uptake and loss. This can cause the emersed leaves to become overly saturated with water, leading to wilting, yellowing, and eventual death.
The differences in light adaptation and nutrient uptake between emersed and submerged leaves can also contribute to the death of emersed leaves when submerged. Emersed leaves are usually adapted to higher light intensities and different nutrient availability compared to submerged leaves. When emersed leaves are submerged, they may not receive enough light or the right balance of nutrients, which can lead to reduced photosynthesis, nutrient deficiencies, and ultimately, leaf death.
It's important to note that not all aquarium plants with emersed leaves will die off when transitioned to a submerged environment. Some species are more adaptable than others and can gradually acclimate to the new environment over time. However, it's common for emersed leaves to die off after transitioning to a submerged environment due to the differences in their structure, function, and adaptation to different environments. Proper acclimation, lighting, nutrient management, and water quality can all play important roles in minimizing leaf loss and promoting healthy growth of aquarium plants in a submerged environment.
In conclusion, using submerged grown aquarium plants in a your aquarium can offer numerous benefits including faster establishment and growth, better adaptation to underwater conditions and easier maintenance. Considering these advantages, submerged grown plants can be an excellent choice for creating a healthy, vibrant, and visually appealing aquascape in an aquarium.