Stems turning brown

[nterry]

Hi,

I picked up some plants labeled "moneywart" at LFS the other day. I don't think it's moneywart because the leaves are pointed and have red highlights. But the plant is similar in shape. In any case, I bought them in bunches tied together with a lead tie. There were roots coming out the bottom of the stem. So I removed the lead weights and buried the roots and stems and now in some of the plants, the stems are turning brown. The leaves are generally OK.

So what can I do to fix this problem. My only idea is the following: romove the plants with brown stems and cut off the brown part of the stem. At that point, should I tie the plants loosely with a lead weight. I then wait for the plants to root naturally (several weeks/months) at which point I remove the weights?

Is that a good plan, or is there something better to do?

Thanks,

nterry

[jpappy789]

Could you post some pics of the plants for ID? TO me it sounds like either rotala or ludwiga, both of which need higher end lighting.

What are your tank specs? (lighting, Co2, ferts)

[rich311k]

We really need to see the plant.

[nterry]

Lighting--40W (know that's low, probably won't upgrade anytime soon), no CO2, no ferts. LFS said this plant didn't need much light.

Anyway, I posted two pictures--one of the stems and one of the plants...sorry they're not great, still learning how to take aquarium pics...

[maxthedog123]

That looks like narrow leaf ludwigia to me. It's got smaller more pointed leaves than the "typical" red ludwigia. I have had great luck with that plant.

If you just recently planted them, it's not unusual to lose the bottom leaves. Also, a lot of times the bottom of the stems are damaged from having the lead weights around them and just handling in general. I would simply cut off the stems at a point slightly below where they have healthy leaf growth and replant.

[StereoKills]

:iagree: Once stem plants start to look like that, it's best to remove the leafless parts. Typically, that type of plant does need at least medium light to thrive. You mentioned you had 40W of light, what size tank do you have?

[nterry]

It's a 55 gallon tank (4x12)

[Fishy_Fun]

They look like there just melting

[rich311k]

That is not going to be enough light for those plants. You need at least a 100 watts for them to have a decent chance.

[Star_Rider]

I thin it may be a lack of light issue too.
but try cutting off the brown leafless stem and replant.

I believe you can try floating these too.