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How to plant aquarium plants



Successfully planting and maintaining aquatic plants requires careful consideration and understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of the various types of aquarium plants. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the step-by-step process of planting different categories of aquarium plants, including stem plants, rosette plants, epiphyte plants, runner plants, carpeting plants, and floating plants. By following these guidelines, you can create a thriving underwater garden that adds beauty and functionality to your aquatic habitat.

Stem Plants
Stem plants are the largest group of aquarium plants, this includes all of the aquatic plants that have vertical growth on a single stem and are able to be propagated by cuttings. When cut in half, the lower piece will produce new growth from the nodes left behind and the top half will produce roots from the lowest node and continue growing. This group includes plants such as Bacopa, Hygrophila, Ludwigia, and Pogostemon species. Preparing these plants for planting involves removing any packaging materials from around the base of the stems, like rubber bands. Plant each stem deeply, burying them at least 2 to 3cm into the substrate. While this may result in the bottom leaves being partially covered by the substrate, it provides stability and encourages root growth. Most stem plants will not have roots when you purchase them, however they will quickly grow these once in your aquarium. Planting each stem individually with a bit of space between them rather than the whole bunch together will also help encourage root development. Tweezers can be handy for precise planting, and adding plant weights at the base prevents them from floating away. Stem plants thrive on nutrients from the water column, and will benefit from a consistent regime of liquid fertiliser.

Rosette plants
Rosette plants are aquatic plants characterised by their circular leaf pattern emerging from a central base. This group includes plants such as Aponogetons, Aquarius (Echinodorus), Nymphaea and Isoetes. These species are often sold as individual plants. To plant a rosette plant in your aquarium, it is best to use aquarium tweezers to grip the roots and securely insert the roots of each rosette into the substrate, leaving the base of the plant above the substrate. Ensure the roots are buried deeply in the substrate to make sure it is stable and to encourage root growth. These species are often heavy root feeders and if not planted in a plant specific substrate will likely require root tabs be placed close by. Allow sufficient space between each plant to prevent overcrowding and they will acclimate quickly to their new environment.

Epiphyte Plants
Epiphytes are plants that are able to attach to hardscape structures and derive their nutrients from the water column. Common examples of these are Anubias and Leptochilus (java fern) species. When planting epiphytes, you have a number of options. You can utilise natural crevices in the hardscape and wedge the rhizome gently into these small spaces, if the aquarium lacks sufficient natural crevices, these species can also be attached using thread or a small amount of aquarium safe glue. Whichever method is used, ensure the rhizome is not buried or encased in glue and as the plant grows the rhizome will attach itself securely and naturally to the hardscape. If you prefer to grow these plants on the substrate, it is important to ensure you do not bury the rhizome. Ensure only the roots are beneath the substrate and the rhizome sits just above the surface. If the rhizome is buried it will begin to rot and the plant will die off.

Carpeting plants:
Carpeting plants, such as Micranthemum umbrosum, Glossostigma elatinoides, and Eleocharis pusilla create lush ground cover with small leaves and delicate roots. When planting carpeting aquatic plants, it is important to provide a nutrient rich substrate and plant deeply and securely in the substrate to prevent them floating up and to encourage root growth. You can plant these plants in a single bunch and let them spread from there, however, it is best to break apart the portion you have into smaller clumps and plant them evenly spaced across the area you want them to cover. The more densely you plant them the faster the carpet will grow and fill in the empty spaces, but in general a distance of approximately 3-4cm between each portion will work well. For carpeting rhizome plants such as Marsilea hirsuta, loop the rhizomes in the substrate where you would like to plant it and push the rhizome into the substrate, leaving the leaves sticking upwards in the water column.

Runner Plants
Runner plants are those that propagate via runners with new plants growing from the runners as they spread out from the original plant. This group includes aquarium plants like Vallisneria and Sagittaria. To plant runner plants, bury their roots under the substrate and leave the crown, where leaves emerge, just above the substrate. This can be done using tweezers or by hand. Plant each individual plant separately to encourage healthy growth. As these plants propagate mainly through runners it is important to remove excess runners if you don't want these plants to spread throughout the whole aquarium. To remove runners simply pinch or clip them from the main plant, these can then be either replanted if desired or disposed of responsibly to prevent overcrowding in the tank.

Floating Plants
Floating aquatic plants, as implied by the name, are those that float in the aquarium; either on the water surface or in the water column. Common examples include Ceratopteris, Ceratophyllum, Hydrocharis, and Lemna. This type of plant is the easiest to plant in the aquarium; simply place them on the water surface and ensure adequate light and nutrients are available. To prevent overcrowding you can contain these plants to certain areas using a divider or airline tubing. Proper management ensures they contribute positively to the aquarium ecosystem and aid in water quality maintenance without overshadowing other plants or causing oxygen depletion.

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