i have a black thumb. help? picture.

Jadis

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Jul 24, 2005

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portland, OR

• Dec 5, 2005

• #1

i decided to try my hand at plants, and got a few. all of them seem fine, except this one.
the leaves at the ends have turned almost translucent.
what does it need? or should i just give up?

 

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SuperiorMN

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Sep 18, 2005

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Duluth, MN

• Dec 5, 2005

• #2

Hmm, is that a variety of sword? If so, the translucent tips may be a sign of iron deficiency. Swords are heavy root feeders, so I would recommend picking up some root tabs (can't recommend any particular brand). There was a recent post about root tabs/plant spikes, and (of course) there was input from both sides:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62584&highlight=root+tabs

Hope this helps.
- Marty

 

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phanmc

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• Dec 5, 2005

• #3

What kind of light setup do you have, tank size, and what other plants are in there?

 

Jadis

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portland, OR

• Dec 5, 2005

• #4

ah thank you so much, i didnt even know what type of plant it was (which probably tells you that i shouldn't have gotten it in the first place, but my lfs promised me it was a very easy plant to take care of.)

 

Jadis

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portland, OR

• Dec 5, 2005

• #5

well i have a 40w bulb and a 45 gallon tank. the only other plants at the moment are java ferns and they are no where near this plant

 

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SuperiorMN

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Duluth, MN

• Dec 5, 2005

• #6

If I were to name it, I'd guess "Amazon"/"Melon" Sword:
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_viewer.php?id=97
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...ils.php?id=40&category=genus&spec=Echinodorus

Whatever kind it is, most need medium lighting and a moderate to rich substrate. Can you give us any more information, as far as substrate and fertilizer dosing, if any?

 

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phanmc

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• Dec 5, 2005

• #7

The lighting's going to be an issue with the amazon swords, they simply need a little more light. The java ferns will be fine though. If upgrading/adding more lights is not possible, then look into some low light plants like anubias instead.