Can Any Plant Grow Submerged? Beginners Guide

The answer is no, not all plants can grow submerged. Some plants need air, sunlight, and soil to survive, while others can adapt to aquatic environments and thrive underwater. In this article, we will explore the different types of plants that can grow submerged, the benefits and challenges of growing them, and some tips and tricks for creating a beautiful and healthy underwater garden.

Types of Plants That Can Grow Submerged

There are three main categories of plants that can grow submerged: true aquatic plants, amphibious plants, and terrestrial plants.

  • True aquatic plants are plants that spend their entire life cycle underwater. They have special adaptations that allow them to absorb nutrients and oxygen from the water, and they do not need soil or air to grow. Some examples of true aquatic plants are water lilies, hornwort, anubias, and java fern.
  • Amphibious plants are plants that can grow both in and out of water. They can adjust to different water levels and conditions, and they can switch between submerged and emergent forms. Some examples of amphibious plants are water hyacinth, duckweed, water lettuce, and bacopa.
  • Terrestrial plants are plants that normally grow on land, but can survive underwater for a limited period of time. They are not adapted to aquatic environments, and they will eventually rot or die if kept submerged for too long. Some examples of terrestrial plants that are often used as submerged plants are peace lily, pothos, and lucky bamboo.
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Benefits and Challenges of Growing Submerged Plants

Growing submerged plants can have many benefits for both the plants and the environment. Some of the benefits are:

  • Submerged plants can provide oxygen, food, and shelter for aquatic animals and microorganisms, creating a balanced and diverse ecosystem.
  • Submerged plants can filter and purify the water, removing harmful substances and pollutants, and improving the water quality and clarity.
  • Submerged plants can enhance the aesthetic appeal and beauty of the water body, adding color, texture, and movement to the scenery.
  • Submerged plants can reduce the growth of algae, which can compete with the plants for nutrients and light, and cause problems such as green water, algae blooms, and fish kills.

However, growing submerged plants also comes with some challenges and difficulties. Some of the challenges are:

  • Submerged plants can be invasive and aggressive, spreading rapidly and taking over the water body, and displacing native plants and animals.
  • Submerged plants can be sensitive and delicate, requiring specific water parameters, lighting, temperature, and fertilization to grow well and healthy.
  • Submerged plants can be prone to diseases and pests, such as snails, worms, fungi, and bacteria, which can damage or kill the plants, and affect the water quality and health of the other organisms.
  • Submerged plants can be difficult and expensive to maintain, requiring regular trimming, pruning, cleaning, and replanting to keep them in good shape and condition.

Tips and Tricks for Growing Submerged Plants

If you want to grow submerged plants, whether in a pond, aquarium, or container, you need to consider some factors and follow some guidelines to ensure the success and sustainability of your underwater garden. Here are some tips and tricks for growing submerged plants:

  • Choose the right plants for your water body. Consider the size, depth, shape, and location of your water body, and select the plants that are suitable and compatible with the environment and the other organisms. Avoid plants that are invasive, illegal, or endangered in your area, and opt for plants that are native, hardy, and easy to care for.
  • Provide adequate lighting for your plants. Lighting is essential for the photosynthesis and growth of submerged plants, and different plants have different lighting requirements. Generally, you need to provide 8 to 12 hours of light per day, and use a full-spectrum light source that mimics natural sunlight. You can use artificial lights, such as LED, fluorescent, or halogen bulbs, or natural lights, such as windows, skylights, or outdoor exposure, depending on your water body and plant type.
  • Adjust the water parameters for your plants. Water parameters, such as pH, hardness, temperature, and salinity, can affect the health and performance of submerged plants, and different plants have different preferences and tolerances. Generally, you need to keep the water pH between 6.5 and 7.5, the hardness between 3 and 10 dGH, the temperature between 68 and 86°F, and the salinity below 10 ppt. You can use test kits, thermometers, heaters, coolers, filters, and additives to monitor and control the water parameters, and perform regular water changes to maintain the water quality and stability.
  • Fertilize your plants as needed. Fertilization is important for the nutrient uptake and growth of submerged plants, and different plants have different nutrient requirements. Generally, you need to provide nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, and other trace elements for your plants, and use a balanced and comprehensive fertilizer that is suitable for aquatic plants. You can use liquid, tablet, or granular fertilizers, and apply them according to the instructions and dosages, and avoid over-fertilizing or under-fertilizing your plants.
  • Prune and trim your plants regularly. Pruning and trimming are essential for the shape and health of submerged plants, and different plants have different growth rates and patterns. Generally, you need to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased parts of your plants, and cut back any overgrown, tangled, or unwanted parts of your plants, and keep them at a reasonable and manageable size and length. You can use scissors, knives, or clippers to prune and trim your plants, and dispose of the cuttings properly or use them for propagation.
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Conclusion

Growing submerged plants can be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, as well as a beneficial and eco-friendly practice. However, not all plants can grow submerged, and you need to choose the right plants, provide the right conditions, and follow the right practices to ensure the success and sustainability of your underwater garden. We hope this article has given you some useful information and insights on the topic of submerged plants, and inspired you to create your own aquatic paradise. Happy gardening!