Hemigraphis exotica (Purple waffle, Purple Crinkle) mistake!

[scottracy]

Purchased this plant today in Houston. In the past this store has been reliable for me. Ultimately this is my fault and a plant newbie mistake but this plant was falsely being sold as an aquatic plant. Brought it home put it in the tank and admired it. Found out via this forum and plantgeek.net that this plant (Hemigraphis exotica or Purple waffle, Purple Crinkle) is non-aquatic. It is a bog plant that will die, rot and eventually pollute your tank. I called the store and informed them of my discovery. They told me that some non-aquatic plants can be trained to convert to aquatic life. The owner stated that he knew it was a bog plant and in his experience they lived perfectly fine fully submersed. I removed the plant of course. I have the opportunity to get my money back but its an hours drive. Good learning experience though. If anyone on this forum from Houston is interested in the name of the LFS I will provide it. From the picture my Angels seemed to enjoy the plant!!

Scott

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~scottracy/fish/crinkle_angels.jpg

[Seaman]

Surprising enough I kept it growing well fully submerged for almost 5 months before it even started showing signs of not doing too well. FWIW

[scottracy]

I have read that they can stay submerged for up to 12 months before they start doing poorly!

Scott

[Harlock]

What a shame too, that's one beautiful plant.

[Aqualung]

I made the same mistake about a year ago. At least it lasted longer than the "cherry hedge" did :rolleyes: