Plant newbie

[Fresh04]

I have a couple questions, I am new to live plants, and am seeking any and all good advice. Here are a couple questions I have:

1) I received plants that have no roots, and look like they were trimmed from the source plant. Can I bury the end into the flourite substrate I have? Or should I let it float around until it grows roots, and then plant it into the substrate?

2) I believe I received java moss? It was a clump of greens, and I'm pretty sure that is what it is. That can just be tied to my driftwood with fishing line, and it should take?

3) Any other tips for a first time grower?

I am new to the forum, and have learned a great deal from you all already. I hope you can give me some answers to these questions, and I look forward to being a part of this community!

Thanks in advance...
Doug :D

[TKOS]

Welcome,

It is hard to tell what sort of plant you have there but I would assume if the roots are trimmed then it is a stem plant. They do grow a root system but rely on getting many nutrients from the water column. You will see roots growing from the stem eventually. For now you can just stick it into the substrate, though many like Water Sprite can also be grown free floating.

Java Moss can just be tied down and eventually it will attach itself to the wood. You will need to trim it occasionally as it tends to grow up IME. I use cotton thread to tie it down though fishing line or nylon thread will work. My brother uses hair nets to attach it to rocks.

[Fresh04]

Excellent Tkos, thanks!

Yeah, I just assumed that no roots = fastening down. But you can never be too sure, and this is the right place to ask questions!

Any suggestions for additives for the plants? I have already purchased flourish and flourish excel. Also using the flourish gravel tablets for the roots. Is that good for a start, or would it be safe to get some other ones?

[125gJoe]

Originally posted by Fresh04
I have a couple questions, I am new to live plants, and am seeking any and all good advice. ...

3) Any other tips for a first time grower?.....

Plant your tank very heavily. This helps prevent algae outbreaks!
It really works...! When the plants get established, you can thin them out some.

[Fresh04]

I have about 30 plants in there now, its a 36 bowfront, I got them from www.freshwateraquariumplants.com

They are a small company that I may have paid more for them than a lfs, but I gave them my pH, Kh, lighting, etc. and they picked a group of plants appropriate for my personal specs. Doesn't get better than that imo! There are a lot of plants, but they aren't very large yet, so I'm going to be very attentive to the conditions.

Do most plants grow pretty fast when provided with the right conditions? I can't wait to see the plants fill out the tank :rolleyes: