Micro Sword And The Growth....

[Batmanjay28]

I purchased 2 potted micro sword plants because I want a more natural look in my tank. I have heard that it's hard to keep this plants because of algea growth just on the plants. Should I break up the plants and spread then out? Would this help them grow faster and spread out more covering more area? I would like to have half my 55G covered with a short grass just on the gravel. The potted plants are about 1' by 1' circle. Would his plant do that for me, or should I get more? Thank you for your time.

 

[Dave Spencer]

I have never kept this plant, but did a little reading because I was going to give it a try. The algae growth can come from it being too densely planted, restricting movement around individual leaves.

Plants this size may also prefer a finer substrate.

Hopefully, someone with first hand experience will be able to help you more.

 

[RadaR]

Dave is right. It is often said to attract algae due to it being dense together if planted wrong or not thinned out.
Best to separate the pot out and plant each runner 1" apart from each other. Try with one pot and see how it goes. If it does well then buy more. This plant is really for a high tech planted tank.