Bought Some Anacharis---Have Questions

[Fishmanic]

I bought 10 Anacharis plant stems---at least 6 didn't make it during shippiing as it was in the single digits here and they were shipped standard mail.   I don't notice any roots on the stems of the ones that may have survived.   Will they grow roots if I float them in the tank for awhile?   How do you keep them in place if planting into gravel?  How quick will these grow and spread?   Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[frapadoodle]

They will grow roots floating.
For keeping them weighted down, I just use lead plant weights.
Sorry for so much death, but I noticed that any Anacharis I have found is rubbish.

 

[Chaydell]

If I remember correctly anacharis doesn't really need roots. I usually bury just enough of the stem in my substrate so that it won't move. It will grow roots eventually but mine seem to grow randomly and not necessarily into the substrate. A s far as how fast it grows that is going to be dependent on what is going on in your tank. How much light, nutrient availability, etc. I don't think they spread but you can use cuttings from your plants to propagate it. Once it starts growing in you should notice branches randomly growing in the plants. When mine get branches over 2 inches long ill clip them and then place the cutting in the substrate and let it grow. I'm not really an expert on this stuff, but this has been my experience with it. Hopefully someone will come behind me with more certain answers for you.

 

[Rak9378]

I have some anacharis and Chaydell is correct...it doesn't have to have roots to be planted. Just plant the stem right into the substrate and if you get it deep enough it should stay put. As far as growth time, depending on the nutrients and light it's been my experience that it can be a very fast grower. Mine grew tall very quickly so be prepared to have to trim. It's a great plant though with a very vibrant green! Hope this helps.

 

[frapadoodle]

Where are y'all gettin this stuff?
Other than a rare cluster of narrow leaf, all the Anacharis in my local shops looks no better than
Goldfish fodder. It's a shame too, as a boy it was the first plant I had in my first tank.

 

[Chaydell]

My LFS has a local supplier in town that grows it.  I caught him in the store and managed to buy some direct.  I think without him the LFS I go to would have no better stock than most of the chains.

 

[Rak9378]

My LFS keeps it stocked all the time. Doesn't always look great but I happened to get lucky and find some that did during one of my weekly trips!

 

[frapadoodle]

Got two chain shops close by. One has no plants, and college kids with no idea of fish.
One, with plants in tubes, and college kids who know more about selling clothes than keeping fish. But the prices of dry goods and hardware isn't bad if limited in selection.
One local petshop. A bit proud of what they have, but a fair selection of plants, and they deal with local breeders for stock.
And one local fish only shop. Real proud of what they have. Limited selections in freshwater, and two straight bad experiences with plants, first hydra, then pest snails. Not to mention more dead fish in tanks than anywhere else, and as I am only an occasional shopper, not a salty, and not spending an entire paycheck, I don't get great service. I also caught them out on thier "two week quarantine" of new stock lie. Was there when they got a new shipment. Popped them in tanks just like the chain stores. But I go back because they have the best selection of meds.

I did find some narrow leaf Anacharis, grew like a house afire, but my Angels find it tasty so most of the leaves are stubs.