Did you know that plant cuttings, the un-rooted tops
of plants often turn out to be very versatile in the aquarium. In the
aquarium they can be used two ways, as backdrop plants that create a
wide variety of color & leaf shapes or foreground vegetation.
Red
varieties of plants are more difficult to cultivate as they require
intensive light and the green-leaved species are generally more easier
requiring less light.
In order for light to reach the plant
leaves on the bottom of the aquarium and try arranging staggered rows of
individual plant cuttings. Avoid the temptation of planting in bunches
as it will damage the plant by bruising the stems which will cause rot.
Depending
on the plant some grow emersed (out of water) or submerged in the
water. Emersed plants are easier to harvest and often there is woody
cuttings available from them. Upon first planting, many leaves will
fall off but leave the stems in place and with a few weeks time you
will see small growths at the leaf joints. When the shoots become long
enough, cut them off and now plant as cuttings.
When the new
cuttings are established, discard the old original woody stems. When
plants become too tall, remove them from the tank and trim them to the
required length and replant the top sections and retain the bottom
sections for another tank planting. They will develop side shoots and
therefore producing more plants.
Some recommended plants for the freshwater aquarium are:
-Hornwart
-Water Hedge
-Giant Elodea
-Canadian Pondweed
-Dwarf Hygrophila
-Water Wistera
Keep in mind cold water and brackish-water
plants must be able to tolerate cool temperatures and some salinity.
Although some freshwater plants can survive and even thrive in these
conditions always make sure to check the appropriate plant requirements.
Some examples of Brackish-water plants are:
-Hornwart
-Canadian Pondweed
-Java Fern
Some examples of Coldwater plants are:
-Hornwort
-Canadian Pondweed
Plants in your aquarium make a beautiful and functional addition and more economical using clippings.
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