Depending on the type you've chosen, there are specific steps to ensure a successful integration into your aquatic environment. This concise guide walks you through the recommended methods for introducing live plants to your aquarium.
Should You Remove Packaging from Aquarium Plants? Most plants, whether purchased online or from a local fish store, typically come in a plastic pot filled with rock wool. Unless you've acquired a carpeting plant (refer to Section 8 below) or plan to use an Easy Planter decoration, it's advisable to remove the pot and its contents. Follow these steps to safely unpack your plant:
Gently squeeze the pot to release the plant and rock wool. Trim any overgrown or tangled roots if necessary to free the plant.
Split the rock wool in half and carefully extract the plant from the center, ensuring no damage to the roots.
If any rock wool remains attached to the plant, use your fingers, a fork, or tweezers to remove it.
Ensure all small yellow fertilizer balls are removed to prevent nutrient spikes in your aquarium.
Rinse off any remaining debris, and your plant is ready for planting.
Rhizome Plants Rhizome plants, including anubias, java fern, and bolbitis, feature a thick, horizontal stem or rhizome from which leaves and stems grow upwards, while roots grow downwards. These plants do not require substrate and can be secured between cracks in rocks or attached to driftwood using super glue gel or sewing thread. Alternatively, leave the plant in its plastic pot and rock wool, and place it into an Easy Planter decoration. When planting in the substrate, ensure the rhizome remains uncovered. Rhizome plants primarily absorb nutrients from the water column, so supplement with an all-in-one liquid fertilizer as needed.
Sword Plants Sword plants, such as Amazon sword and red flame sword, are rosette plants with leaves growing in a circular pattern from the base. Plant them in the midground or background of the aquarium, ensuring the crown (base) remains above the substrate. Sword plants are heavy root feeders, so consider using root tabs if your substrate lacks nutrients.
Cryptocoryne Cryptocoryne plants, or crypts, are rosette plants requiring substrate and root tabs for optimal growth. Plant them with the crown above ground, and expect some melting initially. Trim emersed leaves to encourage growth of submersed leaves.
Grass-Like Plants Vallisneria, dwarf sagittaria, and micro sword propagate via stolons or runners. Plant them individually in the substrate with space between each plant to allow for growth. Alternatively, use an Easy Planter decoration to prevent uprooting.
Mosses Attach mosses to hardscape using thread or glue. Mosses can also be affixed to mesh, driftwood, or decor. Ensure mosses are not buried and provide ample light for growth.
Stem Plants Plant stem plants deeply into the substrate, allowing some of the bottom leaves to be covered. Space plants apart to promote root growth and use plant weights if necessary to prevent floating.
Bulb Plants Rinse bulbs or tubers before placing them on top of the substrate. If bulbs float, consider securing them under hardscape. Monitor for new growth, adjusting placement if needed.
Carpeting Plants For carpeting plants like monte carlo, remove the plastic pot but leave the plant in rock wool to protect the roots. Insert the rock wool plug into the substrate, allowing the plant to spread naturally.
Floating Plants Floating plants like frogbit and water lettuce require no planting. Simply place them on the water surface, ensuring they do not cover the entire surface to avoid oxygen depletion.
Best wishes with your new aquarium plants! If you encounter growth issues, refer to our guide on plant nutrient deficiencies for assistance.
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Special Thanks to tm_scape