Tropica Plants

[mark4785]

This is probably a newbie question to some, but it regards how to install Tropica potted plants into the aquarium in a way that will allow them to grow to their full potential.

All tropica tropical plants come installed in a black plastic pot and it's root system is contained within a brown water absorbant sponge.

My question is, when preparing to take the plant out of the pot and transfer it into an aquarium, should I completely remove the brown sponge from the root system? I've tried doing this many times and the root system often rips or becomes damaged. For this reason, is it worth leaving the absorbant sponge on the roots and planting both the sponge and plant into the substrate, or is this a good way to hinder nutrient uptake through the roots?

Mark.

 

[myrtle]

It's actually rockwool (like loft insulation) that the roots are in and yes, you definitely need to remove as much as possible. There's always some left that you can't get off without removing all the roots too. You'll find that the rockwool is usually 2 pieces with the plant in the middle or with stems and hairgrass types it's rolled so you can unroll it and remove the plants that way. Any rots that break off will soon grow back and some people trim the roots anyway before planting with crypts. If you leave the wool on the roots it will take much longer for the plant to establish as the roots will not be able to get a grip on the substrate. Also as the rockwool is inert it doesn't hold nutrients so the plant is reliant on water column ferts.

 

[Jamepsss]

Here's a handy vid by Tropica showing the best way to plant different types of plants...
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=44cDbR2YvK4

 

[aaronnorth]

you can leave the rock wool on, but it is best to remove as much as possible, doesnt matter about it all.

It is made easier when doing this under water as it softens & loosens.

The roots will grow through the wool in an attempt to find nutrients very quickly, so don't worry too much,

Thanks, Aaron