Advice For Plugged Plants Needed

[Markjames18]

Hi I have returned to fishkeeping after about a 20 year absence. Things have changed considerably in that time.
 
My issue is I bought some plugged plants recently and I asked the shopkeeper if I should remove the plastic ring and sponge as I wanted to expose the roots, if any, before planting. She did not know and neither do I because I am used to buying plants in bunches with weights on and planting into the gravel.
 
Has anyone got any advice on this? Will the roots grow through the sponge eventually? Or should I remove the plastic ring and sponge?
 
Many Thanks,
 
Mark

 

[fluttermoth]

Yes, remove the ring and sponge.

Welcome to the forum, btw

 

[DrRob]

Aye, the rockwool is there to protect the plant in transit rather than for any other useful purpose from your point of view. Plus you'll find that the plants are bunched quite closely together which isn't so good for them.
 
So remove the ring and wool, separate them out and plant each one, you'll find you've got a lot more than you thought probably.