Is there a online guide that tells how fast a plant should be growing?

[plantass28]

Provided conditions are optimal for a plant, is there some sort of online or otherwise resource that tells how fast certain plants should be growing, for instance how fast should say rotala macranda be growing provided it has what it needs? Meaning how many inches per day, week, month etc?

[SnakeIce]

I think there are to many variables to really be able to say this plant grows this fast...

its optimum growth tempuratures are 74-77F that information is from my Aquarium Plants book by Kasselmann

[plantass28]

That is not what I was really looking for.

I want to be able to know if what I am doing to my tank is working for the plant, without some kind of knowledge into how fast something grows, how will I know?

They say there are fast growing plants and slow growing plants, how slow, how fast?

Are there really that many variables?

Seems to me, most books, authorities seem united on what plants need for optimal growth.

[Leopardess]

There is no way of knowing that really, which I believe is what snake ice was saying.


There *are* that many variables. There are dozens of nutrients that need to be balanced, the light amount, photoperiod, etc.

Slow vs. fast is simply a basic comparison so that you don't try outcompeting algae with petit nana or something. Some plants that are "slow" growing, grow like monsters for me, whereas "fast" growing plants act like rocks.

[plantass28]

Okay I guess I just would like to know, how I can gadge if my plants are doing well or not? I mean how do you tell which plant is doing well if you dont really know how fast it should be growing? I mean fast is such a relative term. How fast? A leaf a week, month, year? Etc. Sorry if this is vexing you guys. Not trying to rattle any cages.

[Leopardess]

LOL thats what we're saying. You can't really judge that.:)

[Wazzucycler]

If its green I'm happy!

[Starry]

plantass - You're looking at it the wrong way. I know what you're asking, but it's not the right question. With plants, if they look good, they feel good. A naturally slow-growing plant, if healthy, will still look good and look healthy without growing much. You can just tell. Spots, discolorations, rotten patches, death of new leaves, new leaves pale, algae... these are all signs of an unhealthy plant, whether growing slow or fast. In fact, a plant can grow fast, but still show a nutrient deficiency (ie. new leaves growing in yellow or crinkled - is that a word?) Don't expect fast growth from Anubias. Other than that, you should see growth in most common plants if you have the most basic necessities.

[plantass28]

Okay I gets it now, sorry im so dense :/

[anonapersona]

Originally posted by plantass28
Seems to me, most books, authorities seem united on what plants need for optimal growth.

(chokes on coffee) LOL!!

:laugh:

Really? You ought to find the Aquatic Plant Digest and read about the debates that rage on and on over what plants need! It is not a science that has been explored and mapped out yet.

Aqatic Plants Digest archives (http://fins.actwin.com/aquatic-plants/index.php)

[plantass28]

You know I am not a complete moron and I have read several books on the subject and talked to many people and they are a little divided on what "exactly" plants need, but for the most part they will agree that plants need good lighting, co2, ferts, Iron rich soil to do acceptably well. Im sure most would agree with this as well. It is not that this is the end all of what you should do, but It definitely will help you be successful with most plants. Right? I dunno, maybe Im a moron. :rolleyes:

[Wazzucycler]

I figure you have to learn some how either by asking or trial and error. Either method is not a bad method. Its too bad some on here are not as receptive to a question that seems so simple to us newbies that have not been blessed by years of vast knowledge.

[Starry]

No one's being mean here. Everyone who writes a reply to newbies is doing so to help. We've all been there

Plantass - you're right about the basic necessities. But sometime you give a plant everything (or, you think it's everything) and it still doesn't do well. It's very much trial and error. Also, don't expect to be able to grow any plant, it doesn't happen to many people. Sometimes you just have to give up and replace the finicky one. Some people will say that they have no problem growing such and such tough plant, but could never get the hang of Crypts (that's me!).

[plantass28]

I appreciate all the reply's, just a little confused, but now it is clear. Thanks!