Rooting!

[linda1503]

Bought a nice load of plants from greenline aquatics nearly 3 weeks ago. Quick question: how long does it take for plants to root? Some of them are growing nicely but others seem to uproot themselves daily. Every time I turn on the lights there's a plant floating on the top. Even ones that i've planted with lead weights! They are in a sand substrate and the fish I have are normal community fish ie: platys, cories. lampeyes, WCMM and 2 apple snails.

 

[shang hi]

how deep is the sand substerate because plants in sand (even deep sand) will uproot because of the small particles will not hold it down they will fall out the way, big gravel will hole it better with sand on top. is sand the only substerate because the plants will lack food unless you add root tablets which will make healthyer bigger and faster growth of roots.
depending on the plants, some of my amazon sword developed roots within 2 days some are still needing to get a good root system going 2 weeks down the line.
try adding more weights or remove some sand where you want to plant them, add some course gravel where the roots will be and cover with sand, it will look the same just have some better suport

 

[linda1503]

Hi shang hi, thanks for the reply. The sand is about 2" and yes I'm using root tablets. Good idea about using a bit of gravel, will try that this weekend for the plants that keep floating off.