Aquarium Plants That Grow Above Water
If you are looking for a unique and visually appealing addition to your aquarium, you might want to consider plants that grow above the water. These plants, also known as emergent plants, can add a new dimension to your aquarium and provide numerous benefits for your aquatic pets. In this article, we will explore some of the best aquarium plants that grow above water and how to take care of them.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The spider plant is a popular houseplant, but it can also thrive in an aquarium. It has long, thin leaves that grow up to 12 inches and can be easily propagated through its baby spiderettes. The spider plant is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to remove toxins from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is a popular plant that is often used in Feng Shui. It can also be grown in aquariums and provides an interesting vertical element to your underwater landscape. Lucky bamboo is easy to care for and can grow up to 3 feet tall. It is a great choice for beginners who want an attractive plant that requires minimal maintenance.
3. Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
The water hyacinth is a beautiful plant that floats on the surface of the water. It has long, green leaves and delicate purple flowers that bloom in the summer. The water hyacinth is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides shade for fish.
4. Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
The water lettuce is another floating plant that is easy to care for and provides numerous benefits for your aquarium. It has light green leaves that form a rosette shape and can grow up to 6 inches in diameter. The water lettuce helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
5. Dwarf Papyrus (Cyperus haspan)
The dwarf papyrus is a small, grass-like plant that grows up to 12 inches tall. It has thin, green leaves that form a dense clump and can be easily propagated through division. The dwarf papyrus is an excellent choice for aquariums because it provides a natural hiding place for fish and helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water.
6. Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis)
The water wisteria is a beautiful plant that can be grown either above or below the water. It has long, thin leaves that can grow up to 20 inches and delicate white flowers that bloom in the summer. The water wisteria is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
7. Arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia)
The arrowhead is a popular plant that can grow both above and below the water. It has long, green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches and delicate white flowers that bloom in the summer. The arrowhead is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
8. Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)
The water poppy is a beautiful plant that can be grown either above or below the water. It has green leaves that form a rosette shape and delicate yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The water poppy is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
9. Water Iris (Iris pseudacorus)
The water iris is a stunning plant that can grow both above and below the water. It has long, green leaves that can grow up to 3 feet and beautiful yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. The water iris is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
10. Cattail (Typha latifolia)
The cattail is a popular plant that can grow both above and below the water. It has long, green leaves that can grow up to 9 feet tall and brown, cigar-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. The cattail is an excellent choice for aquariums because it helps to absorb excess nutrients from the water and provides a natural hiding place for fish.
Conclusion
Above-water aquarium plants can add a unique and visually appealing element to your aquarium, while also providing numerous benefits for your aquatic pets. Whether you choose a floating plant, a vertical plant, or a grass-like plant, there are plenty of options to choose from. Make sure to research the specific care requirements for each plant and provide the necessary lighting, fertilization, and pruning to keep them healthy and thriving.
