Transition Melt (Normal)

New aquatic plants often shed the leaves they grew before purchase (frequently grown emersed, out of water) as they adjust to underwater growth. This "melt" is normal and temporary — keep the water quality stable and new growth should appear within a few weeks.

Why this happens

• Most aquatic plants are grown emersed (out of water) at the nursery, and the leaves grown that way often can't survive underwater.
• The stress of transport and a new tank environment accelerates the shedding of these emersed-grown leaves.

What to do next

1. Keep water quality stable — avoid compounding stress with parameter swings while the plant adjusts.
2. Remove melted leaves as they die off to prevent them from fouling the water.
3. Be patient — new, underwater-adapted growth typically appears within a few weeks.
4. Don't assume the plant is dying; melt is a normal transition, not a sign of a problem, as long as new growth eventually appears.

Frequently asked questions