The Epiphyte Guide
What are Epiphytes?
Epiphytes are "air plants" of the water world. Unlike traditional plants, they do not grow in soil or substrate. In nature, they attach themselves to rocks, fallen branches, or tree trunks. If you bury their thick horizontal stem (called a Rhizome), the plant will rot and die.
How to Attach Them
Cyanoacrylate Glue
Use "Gel" type superglue. It is 100% reef and fish safe once it hits the water. Make sure it doesn't have any other components.
Fishing Line / Thread
Tie the plant gently to a rock or driftwood. Use brown or green thread to hide it. You can also use biodegradable moss cotton thread.
The "Wedge"
Simply jam the roots into a crack in a rock or wood. The plant will grip over time.
✨ The Cotton / Paper Trick
Struggling to get glue to stick to wet surfaces? Try this:
Place a tiny piece of tissue paper or cotton fiber between the plant and the surface. Apply liquid superglue to the cotton. It creates a rock-hard bond that fills the gaps perfectly!
Once in place, you can use Baking Soda or a Super Glue Reactor to bond it faster. Use a bit of vegetable oil to keep your hands from sticking!
Growing Above the Waterline (Riparian)
⚠️ Warning: When keeping land plants with their roots in the tank, never let the leaves touch the water. If leaves remain submerged, they cannot "breathe" properly and will rot, which can cause ammonia spikes in your aquarium.
Natural Support
Bigger plants can just be kept in a corner. Their own weight and the tension between the glass and the rim will often hold them steady without any extra tools. They can also be wedged next to the filter when smaller.
Aquarium Plant Holder
Use specialized 3D-printed baskets or acrylic hangers. These keep the roots perfectly submerged while ensuring the stems and leaves stay safe and dry above the rim.
Submerged Epiphytes (Fully Underwater)
Anubias barteri var. nana
(Anubias Nana)Difficulty: Easy
Microsorum pteropus
(Java Fern)Difficulty: Easy
Bucephalandra spp.
(Bucephalandra)Difficulty: Easy
Bolbitis heudelotii
(African Water Fern)Difficulty: Medium
Hygrophila pinnatifida
(Fern Hygrophila)Difficulty: Medium
Vesicularia montagnei
(Christmas Moss)Difficulty: Easy
Schismatoglottis prietoi
(Schismatoglottis)Difficulty: Easy
Riccardia chamedryfolia
(Mini Pellia / Coral Moss)Difficulty: Hard
Fissidens fontanus
(Phoenix Moss)Difficulty: Medium
Taxiphyllum 'Flame'
(Flame Moss)Difficulty: Easy
Unlike most mosses, this grows spirally upward, creating a look reminiscent of green flames. Great for vertical wood pieces.
Microsorum pteropus 'Windelov'
(Windelov Java Fern)Difficulty: Easy
Crepidomanes auriculatum
(Asian Filmy Fern)Difficulty: Medium
A stunning, translucent fern that stays very small. It loves high flow and very clean water.
Anubias barteri var. barteri
(Standard Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Anubias barteri var. 'Coffeefolia'
(Coffee Leaf Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Petite'
(Nana Petite)Difficulty: Easy
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Stardust'
(Nana Stardust)Difficulty: Easy
Anubias barteri var. nana 'Pangolino'
(Pangolino Anubias)Difficulty: Harder
The smallest Anubias in the world. Leaves are tiny and scale-like, resembling a Pangolin's back. Extremely slow grower.
Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia
(Heart-shaped Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Anubias hastifolia
(Arrowhead Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Named for its distinct arrowhead-shaped leaves. One of the larger species, great for big tanks.
Anubias heterophylla
(Lance-leaf Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Features long, slender leaves with slightly wavy margins. Very leather-like and tough.
Anubias gracilis
(Slender Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Recognized by its triangular, tri-lobed leaves. Looks very elegant when attached to tall driftwood.
Anubias barteri var. angustifolia
(Narrow Leaf Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
A narrow-leafed variety that stays relatively slim; perfect for filling tight vertical gaps.
Anubias afzelii
(Sword-leaf Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
A slow grower with upright, sword-shaped leaves. Can reach impressive heights over time.
Anubias gigantea
(Giant Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
The largest species in the genus. Requires a massive amount of space to reach its full potential.
Anubias gilletii
(Gillet's Anubias)Difficulty: Easy
Features "ear-like" lobes at the base of the leaves; very hardy and tolerates extremely low light.
Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'
(Narrow Leaf Java Fern)Difficulty: Easy
Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'
(Trident Java Fern)Difficulty: Easy
Microsorum pteropus 'Orange Narrow'
(Orange Narrow Java Fern)Difficulty: Easy
A unique variant where new leaf growth often displays a distinct bronze or orange hue before turning green.
Riparian Staples & Houseplants
Monstera deliciosa
(Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera adansonii
(Swiss Cheese Vine)Faster growing and lighter than the Deliciosa. Its trailing vines look incredible hanging over the sides of a tank.
Spathiphyllum wallisii
(Peace Lily)
Epipremnum aureum
(Pothos / Devil's Ivy)
Chlorophytum comosum
(Spider Plant)
Philodendron hederaceum
(Heartleaf Philodendron)
Syngonium podophyllum
(Arrowhead Vine)Extremely hardy. It transitions to water growth very quickly and develops a massive, white root system that fish love to hide in.
Cyperus alternifolius
(Umbrella Papyrus)A classic "bog plant." It grows tall and provides a prehistoric look. Excellent at removing nitrates from the water.
Dracaena sanderiana
(Lucky Bamboo)
Rhizophora mangle
(Red Mangrove)Can be grown in fresh or saltwater. Its "prop roots" create a naturalistic coastal look. Slow growing but very rewarding.
Chamaedorea elegans
(Parlor Palm / Bella Palm)
Tradescantia zebrina
(Inch Plant / Tradescantia)
Pilea cadierei
(Aluminum Plant)
Hoya carnosa
(Hoya / Wax Plant)
Aglaonema spp.
(Chinese Evergreen)
Tradescantia pallida
(Purple Heart Plant)
Aglaonema spp. pink
(Pink/Red Chinese Evergreen)
Coleus scutellarioides
(Coleus)
Hypoestes phyllostachya
(Polka Dot Plant)
Episcia cupreata
(Flame Violet)
Hemigraphis alternata
(Purple Waffle Plant)
Syngonium wendlandii
(Silver Goosefoot Plant)
Fittonia albivenis
(Nerve Plant - Red/Pink)
Fittonia albivenis 'White'
(White Nerve Plant)
Nephrolepis exaltata 'Smithii'
(Cotton Candy Fern)
Hemigraphis repanda
(Dragon's Tongue)
Davallia fejeensis
(Rabbit's Foot Fern)The Transformers (Heterophylly)
Limnophila aquatica
(Giant Ambulia)Submersed: Fine, soft needles like Hornwort. Emersed: Sturdy mint-like leaves.
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Willow'
(Willow Leaf Hygro)Submersed leaves are long and narrow; emersed leaves grow short and bushy.
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
(Golden Creeping Jenny)
Rotala rotundifolia
(Roundleaf Rotala)Transition: Submersed leaves are long, thin, and red. Emersed leaves are perfectly round and bright green.
Proserpinaca palustris
(Mermaid Weed)Transition: Submersed leaves look like fine, copper-colored combs. Emersed leaves are broad with saw-tooth edges.
Myriophyllum aquaticum
(Parrot's Feather)Transition: Submersed is a delicate feathery cloud. Emersed becomes a stiff, water-repellent blue-green "miniature pine tree."
Ceratopteris thalictroides
(Water Sprite)Transition: Submersed leaves are lacy and thin. Emersed leaves are thick, fleshy, and much broader.
Ranunculus inundatus
(River Buttercup)Transition: Submersed leaves are beautiful multi-split umbrellas. Emersed leaves simplify into more solid, rounded clover shapes.
Marsilea crenata
(Thai Water Clover)Difficulty: Easy
Transition: Submersed leaves are typically tiny single-lobed "spoons." When it reaches the surface, it transforms into the iconic four-leaf clover shape.
Note: This species is also edible and frequently used in Southeast Asian salads.
Marsilea quadrifolia
(European Water Clover)Difficulty: Easy
Transition: One of the most dramatic clovers. Floating leaves are large and leathery clovers; submersed growth is much smaller and can look like a green carpet of grass.
The Edible Garden
Ocimum basilicum 'Thai'
(Thai Basil)Edible: Aromatic leaves used in cooking and teas for a sweet, anise-like flavor.
Plectranthus amboinicus
(Cuban Oregano)Edible: Thick, fuzzy leaves used as a potent seasoning for meats, stews, or herbal teas.
Bacopa monnieri
(Brahmi / Moneywort)Edible: Bitter leaves often used in traditional medicine or brewed into "memory-boosting" teas.
Mentha aquatica
(Water Mint)A true aquatic mint. It smells amazing and produces purple flowers. It will quickly "carpet" the top of your aquarium filter or rim.
Edible: Fragrant leaves used to make refreshing peppermint-style teas or salads.
Nasturtium officinale
(Watercress)One of the fastest-growing edibles. It thrives in the high-nitrate environment of an aquarium and is great for shrimp to graze on.
Edible: Peppery leaves and stems packed with vitamins; perfect for salads and sandwiches.
Limnophila aromatica
(Rice Paddy Herb)Edible: A staple in Vietnamese sour soups; has a unique flavor profile of citrus and cumin.
Hydrocotyle leucocephala
(Brazilian Pennywort)Edible: The entire plant is edible and often used in South American and Asian cooling drinks or garnishes.
Ipomoea aquatica
(Water Spinach / Kang Kong)An incredible nitrate sponge. It grows hollow, floating stems that can quickly cover the surface or trail down the sides of the tank.
Edible: Highly nutritious leaves and crunchy hollow stems; a staple for stir-fries and Southeast Asian cuisine.
Persicaria odorata
(Vietnamese Coriander / Hot Mint)Unlike regular cilantro, this loves "wet feet." It produces beautiful pointed leaves with dark markings.
Edible: Features a spicy, peppery, and citrusy flavor; essential for many Southeast Asian soups and salads.
Allium fistulosum
(Green Onions / Scallions)One of the easiest to grow. You can even use the bottom white parts of grocery store scraps to start them.
Edible: The hollow green stalks provide a mild onion flavor; perfect for garnishing almost any dish.
Centella asiatica
(Gotu Kola)Often called the "Herb of Longevity." It looks very similar to Pennywort with its round, fan-shaped leaves.
Edible: Used in cooling summer drinks, salads, and as a medicinal herb in many cultures.
Houttuynia cordata
(Fish Mint / Chameleon Plant)A very hardy plant that can develop stunning red, yellow, and green variegated leaves in high light.
Edible: Named for its unique fish-like aroma; the leaves are used in salads and chutneys across Asia.
Cymbopogon citratus
(Lemongrass)Acts as a tall, grassy background. Its massive root system is one of the best for cleaning aquarium water.
Edible: The woody stalks are crushed and used to infuse citrusy flavors into teas, curries, and soups.
Apium graveolens
(Celery)Celery grows surprisingly well in water. It produces thinner, more aromatic stalks than the ones found in stores.
Edible: Both the crunchy stalks and the leaves are edible, providing a strong, savory flavor.
Marsilea drummondii
(Nardoo / Silver Water Clover)A stunning Australian fern with fuzzy, silver-grey leaves. It is very effective at oxygenating the water as it creeps along the surface.
Edible: The seed-pods (sporocarps) were historically ground into flour for bread. Note: Must be roasted/prepared correctly to be safe!
Optical Bridges
Hydrocotyle tripartita
(Pennywort 'Japan')Remarkable for having submersed and emersed forms that are nearly identical.
Anubias barteri var. nana
(Anubias Nana)Consistency: High. The thick, dark green waxy leaves look exactly the same in both forms. The primary bridge for hardscape.
Taxiphyllum barbieri
(Java Moss)Consistency: Medium-High. While it gets "fluffier" underwater, it creates a green carpet over damp wood that mimics its underwater growth perfectly.