Live plants are to the freshwater aquarist what live corals are to the saltwater reef aquarist. They add a natural look to the tank, can benefit the water quality and other livestock and can be a challenge to maintain and “aqua-scape” into just the right look for the aquarium. Just as corals need to be placed in the right area of the aquarium and secured correctly so they can remain healthy and thriving, so also do plants need to be planted correctly and appropriately. Knowing how to best plant different types of live plants that you may have will help them thrive. Keep in mind however that these are general guidelines. Some plants prefer larger or smaller substrates or may have special considerations for their species.
Bunched Plants
Bunched plants are popular and common. Though their appearance, care and requirements vary, “
bunched plants” are all sold as bundled individual stem cuttings held together with a metal plant anchor or rubber band. These plants generally root within a week or two and the growing tips can be pruned and replanted to make new plants. Some bunched plants like hornwort an anacharis, can be left floating on the water’s surface. You can plant each stem of a bunch individually by inserting the end into the substrate, or keep them in their bunches for a bushier look. The plant anchors or rubber bands can be removed once the plant is rooted in place.
Rooted Plants (Echinodorus Swords, Cryptocoryne, Vallisneria, Sagittaria, etc.)
These are the most familiar types of plants. They grow with root structures similar to those found in our gardens on land and are planted in much the same way. The roots should be buried in the substrate up to the crown of the plant (where the root ends and the leaves begin). Avoid getting substrate between each stem of the plant. This can break up the crown and root structure and may damage at least some of the stems that are separated, if not the whole plant.
Rhizome Plants (Anubias, Java Ferns)
The root structure of these plants is a bit different than the other root plants already mentioned. The thin roots grow from a stiff horizontal rhizome. A common mistake made with these plants is in planting this entire structure – rhizome, roots and all – when in fact only the roots growing off of the rhizome should be planted in the substrate. The rhizome itself should be left exposed. Alternately, these plants can be left “unplanted” by attaching them to a hard surface like a rock or piece of driftwood. Anchor the plant to the base using fishing line or rubber bands and the roots will eventually begin to cling onto the base. Once the plant is attached, just cut the anchors away.
Moss (Java Moss, Willow Moss, “Moss Balls”)
While
moss can be left floating in the aquarium, most aquarists attach it to a hard surface like rock or driftwood. Much like the rhizome plants described above, attach it with some sort of anchor (netting can also work with mosses) until it attaches. Moss Balls are similar but are actually balls of algae shaped by wave action in their native waters. The ball can be left intact or spread apart over a surface.
