EPIPHYTE

Aquatic epiphytes are one of the most popular types of plants in the aquascaping hobby. Although, they can't be planted into substrate like your normal stem plants.

Aquatic epiphytes are aquarium plants that naturally grow on the surface of other plants, rocks, and wood. In the wild these plants obtain their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and surrounding debris. Epiphytes commonly grow from a rhizome, a modified stem that grows horizontally, producing both leaves and roots. The roots will grow to attach and anchor the plant to whatever surface they are on.

Several popular epiphyte species known in the aquarium hobby include: Anubias, Bucephalandra, and Java Fern species. These epiphytes listed below are popular for planted tank hobbyists, and can be planted both emersed and fully submerged.