Crypt Advice?

[blackers92]

Hi Guys

I got a lot of new plants today including both crypt wendtii and crypt spiralis, My established crypt in my tank came potted whereas the new ones came with 1-2 small leaves and an extensive root system (especially the Crypt Spiralis, the root was about 15cms long and 1-2cm thick) I have attached some photos of how I have planted. Should I have cut the roots short before planting? They were quite difficult to plant, and thanks to my Hoplo they keep being dug up



This is a photo of my crypt spiralis, the root system was extensive and kind of on an angle, which makes it stick out on an angle.

http/img848.imageshack.us/i/photo16d.jpg/

http/img713.imageshack.us/i/photo14m.jpg/

This is a photo of my new smaller crypts, the roots go about 1-2 cm below the substrate

http/img849.imageshack.us/i/photo15t.jpg/

If needed I can uproot the plants and take photos

Cheers

Adam

 

[roadmaster]

I too have the crypt's you mention and usually cut off one quarter inch of the roots to encourage new growth before planting .Use sharp scissors and cut at an angle.Don't know if cutting at angle is necessary but I do it anyhow.

 

[blackers92]

hrmmm I might dig up the current crypts and plant them in pots, cutting the roots in the process, that way hopefully the hoplo will stop uprooting them, im not sure if I should cut the root of the Spiralis as it seems really big. I dont know what to do though, because if it wilts I will just presume that it is "melting" as crypts do, but what if it is dead?

Also I only have one small terracotta pot, is there like a household item I could use?

 

[roadmaster]

hrmmm I might dig up the current crypts and plant them in pots, cutting the roots in the process, that way hopefully the hoplo will stop uprooting them, im not sure if I should cut the root of the Spiralis as it seems really big. I dont know what to do though, because if it wilts I will just presume that it is "melting" as crypts do, but what if it is dead?

Also I only have one small terracotta pot, is there like a household item I could use?

Small vases ,fishbowls jars,will work.