I can't believe I never commented on your tanks before, hydrophyte. I guess I'm too stunned by their beauty. This, the crypt tank & others of yours are just lovely!
Oh I am sorry I have been so busy lately and it is difficult to keep up with posts. I would say that getting plants to grow emersed really varies a great deal from one kind of plant to the next. Some (such as many stems, and crypts) require gradual transition period to adapt to emersed growth, while other (Java fern, Anubias) can be lifted right out of the water and grown emersed, so long as air relative humidity is maintained high. Many require high humidity to continue growth, but others, such as Echinodorus, need to have drier air. Otherwise they will never develop emersed form leaves.
You can find out lots about growing emersed plants by searching and asking on The Planted Tank Forums.
Hi everybody. I haven't been back here in a while but I have a quick update for this tank. It is overgrown! This picture shows that the taro and big sword on the right are blocking all the light:
I'm getting ready to start yanking stuff out. I intend to replant with a new mix of species. I'll have some more shots soon.
There are a few extra divisions and plantlets in there. Would anybody out there like to have some?