Questions: Swordplant, Snails, and New Roots

[tackful]

The swordplant in the back of my tank is doing well, the leave being about 6" long on average, with 3 prominent vertical ribs on each. Last week an individual stem began growing very fast and straight. Now I have a 4" leave which extends almost 2" above the surface, supported by a 14" stem. All of the older, established leaves stay several inches below the surface. Anyone know what's going on here?
I now have about 11 snails in my 29 gal tank. They are usually found on plants, rocks, glass, driftwood, anywhere but the bottom. One is almost 1" long now, the others much smaller. I find no signs at all that they are munching on the plants. Since fish and plants are doing well I am inclined to let them be as a natural part of the overall balance. Is this OK?
Lastly, I've been wondering about the roots that some of my plants have been sending out into the water, above the substrate. The Wysteria, which is growing like mad, seems to be a champion at this. What might this mean? Is it normal?
I have many questions because I'm new at this (tank is 4 months old). Since all are plant related I posted here rather than the Freshwater Newbie forum.
I think that I may be able to send in a picture or two soon. Again, thanks for all the help and information. What a great hobby! Tackful

[rich311k]

Is the sword sending out a flower stalk or a runner or is it a leaf?

Stem plants grow aerial roots, some more than others. You can take them off if you don't like them. Good sign of a happy stem.

I have snails everywhere at least 3 different kinds. I like them. As long as you avoid the plant eating varieties, I think they are a good tank inhabitant to have in a planted aquarium.

[plantling]

My swords use to send out runners like that all the time, but it had nodes and out of these, tiny sword plants would emerge. After a while these plants will develop roots of their own. A good way of propagating the sword, but the plantlets will grow faster if you leave them on the runner. As soon as I removed them to plant in the substrate, they would almost stop growing for a long while. LOL, I had so many, that I got rid of them all and just kept the parents.

And ditto on the stem plants and snails what rich said. Although if you get a population explosion of snails, it may be that you're overfeeding the fish.

[tackful]

The stalk is simply sending out a leaf which looks exactly like all the others, just a bit smaller. Both responses have been very helpful. Tacful