"GROW YOUR OWN" LIVE AQUARIUM PLANTS - bulbs

[SnakeIce]

for some reason in my experience aponegetons tend to do better if they are the only kind of plant in the tank. I started out with those as plants and as I began to get other plants after some months of growing just those they incrementally declined as I put other plants in the tank.

I also have some regular aponegeton bulbs that were already growing and they did really well untill I put other plants in the 5 gallon tank they were in. They don't compete for nutrients against other plants very well in my experience. It may have something to do with the low tech no ferts added way I was growing them.

 

[midiamin]

FYI. When you first get those bulbs, you can either put them in your aquarium but don;t bury them until you start to see growth or get a bucket of wet sand and place the bulbs on top and put them in a dark place until they start to show growth. Either way, once they show growth then place them in your substrate in your aquarium. When you open the packet, press each one between your fingers. If they are soft are mushy don't even bother to try to grow them. No good. If you put them in your tank and they float, they might or might not be ok. Wait a week or two.

 

[blitzen25bm]

i grew them pretty cool plants and you dont have to do anything for them. i sent some back and they gave me about 3 new ones for each seed i sent it.

 

[tyella]

I have had good luck with the Apo's in the past, but have tried again recently with mixed results. 2 are rotting for every 1 that sprouts. Still not a bad deal, as long as the moldy goo isn't horrible for my tank.

I have a question about the lilies. I'm thinking of trying them, but I don't want a floating leafed plant in my tank. Can I keep the leaves submersed by trimming?

 

[malken]

How long did it take for your replacement bulbs to come in blitzen25bm? I tried those bulbs and only two sprouted, one Apo (going nuts) and one lilly. I sent back the rest about ten days ago.

 

[ImALittleFishy]

I bought 2 one sprouted quick, the other is just now sprouting(2months later), I figured since it wasn't rotten, I would keep it in there. Do not bury the bulb as others have said.

 

[midiamin]

Tyella,

Just keep triming the pads back. Take them off at the base need the seed. You lower leaf will be bigger and fuller. Lovely plant. Later, let pads go to the surface to see if they flower!

 

[tyella]

Thanks MidiAmin,
How many lower leaves can I expect before the floaters come out? Also, will the plant go dormant after flowering?
I appreciate your help!
Tyella

 

[ImALittleFishy]

I think I got like two or three leaves, then the floaters came! It was really quick and they just kept coming. I have heard they go dormant after flowering too, not for sure tho.

 

[lousybreed]

for the ones sold at walmart, what address do you send them back to? some of mine are not sprouting and want to send back. thanks