Philodendron sp. ‘Papua New Guinea’ is a type of emergent climbing plants. It is usually rooted in the water, and its leaves and stems extend out of the water surface. Philodendron sp. is also capable of living in an aquatic environment. However, in this article, I will be focusing on cultivating Philodendron sp. emerged in an open-aquarium style aquascape. There are a vast number of benefits you should definitely know if you are planning to create a land area in your aquascape!


1. Helpful for keeping the water clean

Plants’ root is a system which constantly provides nutrients and dissolved minerals to the stems and leaves. In Nature Aquarium style aquascapes, nutrients are mainly provided from fish excrements, and in most cases, fish excrements are filtered artificially by canister filters. However, by cultivating Philodendron sp. emerged, it can also filter the water by taking the advantage of the root system. Philodendron sp. can be cultivated without any substrate system so all you need to do is to attach the plant to driftwood using a string or glue.

Wabi-kusa Mat Philodendron sp.‘Papua New Guinea’

2. Brilliant Appearance 

Philodendron sp. is a very decorative plant. Choosing plants for the land areas of open-style aquascape is not as easy as choosing aquatic plants. Since Philodendron sp. can add a very natural flavour to your scape, it can be a good choice.

3. Easy to Cultivate

Philodendron sp. is known as one of the easiest plants to cultivate in aquarium tanks. While in most cases, growing aquatic plants emerged requires appropriate humidity, Philodendron sp. is capable of living in a relatively dry environment (50% humidity).

Also, it doesn’t need strong lighting system. Usually, room light is enough for Philodendron sp. to grow. Therefore, just by sticking the root in a cup filled with water, it can be a great interior plant.

Currently, I am using Philodendron sp. emerged in my ADA 60P aquascape. Check these out ↓for more details about how it was created!