How to Add an Emersed Section to Your Aquascape
An emersed section — where plants grow above the waterline — adds a striking vertical dimension to your aquascape and blurs the boundary between the aquatic world below and the terrestrial world above. This technique is used in paludariums, open-top tanks and competition aquascapes. This emersed section aquascape guide from Gensou Aquascaping at 5 Everton Park shows you how to create one.
Why Add an Emersed Section?
Emersed growth creates a more complete, natural scene — in nature, aquatic and terrestrial zones transition seamlessly. Plants growing above the waterline add height, texture and a lush “jungle” feel that a purely submersed aquascape cannot achieve. Many aquarium plants actually grow more vigorously emersed, producing larger leaves and even flowers. Open-top tanks in Singapore’s humid climate are naturally suited to emersed growth.
Structural Methods
Raised hardscape: Stack rocks or wood above the waterline. The emersed section sits atop the hardscape with its roots reaching down into the water. This is the most natural-looking approach. Ensure the structure is stable and will not shift — use aquascaping glue generously.
Hanging planter baskets: Small mesh baskets hung on the tank rim hold soil and emersed plants. The baskets can be hidden behind other plants or driftwood. A simple, flexible option that does not require modifying the tank layout.
Wabi-kusa balls: Balls of nutrient-rich substrate wrapped in moss and planted with emergent species. They can be placed on hardscape above the waterline. The ball shape creates a charming, organic focal point.
Cork bark or driftwood shelves: Flat pieces of cork bark or wide driftwood branches resting above the waterline create natural planting platforms. The porous surface retains moisture and provides root grip.
Best Emersed Plants
Aquatic plants in emersed form: Many aquarium plants transition easily to emersed growth. Anubias, Bucephalandra, Cryptocoryne, Hygrophila, Ludwigia and Echinodorus all produce attractive emersed foliage that looks different from their submersed form — often with thicker, more colourful leaves.
Semi-aquatic plants: Spathiphyllum (peace lily), Fittonia, Selaginella, small ferns and Tradescantia thrive with roots in water and leaves in humid air. These add tropical variety above the waterline.
Mosses: Java Moss, Christmas Moss and Riccia grow well on moist surfaces above the waterline, creating a lush green covering on exposed hardscape.
Pothos: Trailing Pothos with roots in the water and leaves cascading above is both functional (absorbs nitrate) and decorative.
Humidity Management
Emersed plants need high humidity (60–80 per cent) around their leaves. Singapore’s ambient humidity of 70–90 per cent is ideal — one of the main reasons emersed setups thrive here. For air-conditioned rooms with lower humidity, use a glass or acrylic lid that partially covers the tank while leaving space for the emersed growth to extend above. Misting the emersed section daily helps during dry periods.
Lighting
Emersed plants receiving direct light from the aquarium LED often grow well. For taller emersed sections that extend significantly above the waterline, supplement with a clip-on grow light or position the tank near a window with indirect natural light. Avoid intense direct sunlight, which can scorch thin emersed leaves and overheat the tank.
Maintenance
Trim emersed plants regularly to prevent them from shading the submersed aquascape below. Remove dead or yellowing leaves promptly. Check that emersed root systems are not clogging the filter intake or restricting water flow. Top off water to maintain the waterline at the correct level for the emersed-submersed transition. The reward is a living, breathing ecosystem that extends beyond the water’s edge.
Related Reading
emilynakatani
Still Have Questions About Your Tank?
Drop by Gensou Aquascaping — most walk-in questions get answered in under 10 minutes by someone who has set up hundreds of tanks.
5 Everton Park #01-34B, Singapore 080005 · Open daily 11am – 8pm
