Imersed or emersed?

[XnSdVd]

Was wondering, do plants generally grow faster in or out of water?

[Justikanz]

I would go for: Out.

It is easier for the plants to take in CO2 from the air than in water, for one... Not to mention the sunlight is not diffused and absorbed by the water...

[gregorsamsa]

i think the answer is out of water.

if you have read some articles, most of the plants we use in the aquarium are not truly aquatic plants.

[Justikanz]

Oh yah... Some book mentioned the only true aquatic plants are those without roots like hornworts... The rest are either floating, terrestrial or marsh plants that can grow under water...

[XnSdVd]

So wait... all plants do better out of water? it'd make sense for your plants to have a "grow out" stage first before filling the tank with water... Thanks guys.

[ranmasatome]

err..then they would have to change forms when you fill up your tank which defeats the purpose..

[XnSdVd]

Oh, there are different forms? I assume that means the leaves fall off and whatnot?

[budak]

Common plants that we use which are fully aquatic include: hornwort, Cabomba spp., Najas spp., Potamogetons, Aponogetons and those in the family Hydrocharitaceae (Blyxa, Elodea, Hydrilla, Ottelia, Vallisneria). Most of the other genera are really marsh plants.

[baranne]

Oh, there are different forms? I assume that means the leaves fall off and whatnot?

Yes, plants take on a different form, leaves different shapes and even different colours if I am not wrong.