plant bulbs

[nino]

has anyone ever bought an aquarium plant bulbs? do they really root in just a couple days. it seems like a great idea (and bargain) if you get a bunch of bulbs for the price of just a couple grown plants.

 

[lizard]

I got a pack of 'em from Wal-Mart when I first got my tank. They grew quite well, and even flowered (they sent shoots up to the top and flowered above water). The only downside was that they didn't move tanks too well when I had to take down the tank and move it to a new location. I have yet to get any new ones. You can see 'em on my fishy website at: http/www.geocities.com/pamelakris/aquaria.html They're the ones with the long, skinny-like leaves up near the top of the tank. I ought to get some more of those...

Pamela
aka Married Lizard

 

[Bangin]

The plants lizard has linked to are aponogetons. They grow quite well in low light conditions.

 

[Da_Oz]

They are great plants. Easy to grow and look good too. But you want to cut off the flowers don't let them bloom. The blooms slows down growth and can kill the plant.

 

[cometcattle]

I bought a pack of the Apongeton bulbs and have had them in my tanks for 5 days and only a few have sprouted.

I also bought the pack with 3 Nymphaea Lilly bulbs. Those have also been in my tanks for 5 days and all 3 have sprouted.

Has anyone ever sent any duds back to the company for exchange?

It says on the package to return any bulb that fail to sprout within 20 days.

 

[Lateral Line]

A lot of "bulbs" are seasonal plants in nature. They start growing when the rains come, develop leaves and flowers, then use what is left of the season to store "food" in the bulb, and at the end of the season - die down and lay dormant.

Many bulbs sold are dormant, and when planted, rapidly develop leaves and flowers, then big leaves for a while and die down. Most people throw them away then. Mistake.

Some will start to grow again without any action, indeed, there are some cultivars that no longer need a dormant period, they produce leaves continually - they tend to be more expensive.

Most NEED a dormant period. Some will lie dormant in the tank, but most require the bulb lifting, and storing at a lower temperature for 8-10 weeks before replanting.

Some require really cold conditions, like storing the bulb in a refrigerator for 3-4 months, before replanting.

The majority of "bulb" plants grow quite large, and throw a lot of leaves quickly. They are not, thus, suitable for really small tanks. That said, they are VERY attractive, and many people love them.