Lifecycle of plants

[Negseven]

My plants used to look really good, nice and green no deformities at all. Now they are getting little holes in them and looking a bit lacklustre. The timeline of them (don’t know name of plant) They we’re planted in sand substrate with root tabs about 5 weeks ago. The only thing that I can pinpoint to is either the root tabs had been leeched/worn out. For which I have planted new ones in, or I reduced the brightness of the L.E.D lights for a couple of days due trying To mimic the same conditions fish like etc and that has caused the plants to deteriorate. Do plants naturally decline after some weeks or was it caused by what I mentioned? I have my lights on 8 hours day, thanks (sorry this was put in the wrong forum, can a mod move it?)

 

[Colin_T]

The plants look like Hygrophila ruba or costata, probably H. costata.

The plants are marsh plants and don't always do well underwater. However, the holes in the leaves look like something is eating them.

Are there any snails, shrimp, fish in the tank?
If yes, what type?

 

[Negseven]

The plants look like Hygrophila ruba or costata, probably H. costata.

The plants are marsh plants and don't always do well underwater. However, the holes in the leaves look like something is eating them.

Are there any snails, shrimp, fish in the tank?
If yes, what type?

No snails,shrimp…fish are clown loach and Cherry barbs, never saw them nip at them though?

 

[Back in the fold]

@Negseven brought something up I have never seen discussed. The lifecycle / lifespan of aquatic plants. Leafy terrestrial plants have varying lifespans with many of them living through a short growing season. Are aquatics similar ? Also, how do you know if an aquatic plant is a true aquatic ?
Is his Hygrophila deteriorating because it should not be submerged ?

 

[Colin_T]

Hygrophilla species are marsh plants but can live underwater for years. They change their leaves and develop a weaker stem.

Most aquatic plants can live for several years, and quite often more. Swordplants (Echinodorus) can live to 10+ years, as can Cryptocorynes.


TRUE AQUATIC VS MARSH/ TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
Lots of plants are sold as aquarium plants and most are marsh plants that do really well when their roots are in water and the rest of the plant is above water. Some marsh plants will do well underwater too.

Hair grass is not a true aquatic plant, neither is Anubias.

Some common marsh plants include Amazon sword plants, Cryptocorynes, Hygrophila sp, Rotala sp, Ludwigia sp, Bacopa sp. These plant do reasonably well underwater.

True aquatic plants include Ambulia, Cabomba, Hornwort, Elodia, Hydrilla and Vallis.

The main difference between marsh plants and true aquatic plants is the stem. True aquatics have a soft flexible stem with air bubbles in it. These bubbles help the plant float and remain buoyant in the water column.

Marsh plants have a rigid stem and these plants can remain standing upright when removed from water. Whereas true aquatic plants will fall over/ collapse when removed from water.

 

[Negseven]

I’m sure I remember the lfs bloke saying it was a cryptocoryne of some sort…

 

[Back in the fold]

I’m sure I remember the lfs bloke saying it was a cryptocoryne of some sort…

The plant in your picture ? A Cryptocoryne ? That guy needs new glasses and a new plant book. I know less than nothing about aquarium plants and I know that's no crypt.

 

[CarissaT]

Hygro is a fast growing plant and the first to show holes when there’s a deficiency. It’s taking nutrients out of some leaves to keep growing. They aren’t root feeders, they need fertilization in the water column. If you’re not fertilizing the water column 99% chance that’s why they are showing holes now.

 

[GaryE]

One aside here. I have been known to experiment with native plants. In Canada, if they are collected before the end of July, most will live for years. But if I collect now, they are already shutting down with the change in photoperiod, and nothing seems to convince them to hang in. They die when they would die outdoors.

These plants aren't them, but there can be a cycle.

 

[Negseven]

Hygro is a fast growing plant and the first to show holes when there’s a deficiency. It’s taking nutrients out of some leaves to keep growing. They aren’t root feeders, they need fertilization in the water column. If you’re not fertilizing the water column 99% chance that’s why they are showing holes now.

The plant in your picture ? A Cryptocoryne ? That guy needs new glasses and a new plant book. I know less than nothing about aquarium plants and I know that's no crypt.

Thanks for the info! Found the plant label, it’s a Hygrophila Corymbosa, it’s doubled in size and now I know why the holes are there, and have just wasted 4 root tabs have got some plant food gel to add to water column, will the root tabs screw my water parameters up ?

 

[Colin_T]

will the root tabs screw my water parameters up ?

they shouldn't affect the water quality too much if at all.