i just shoved the 9" bamboo into the gravel and that was it. the bamboo was just a stump back then, with 3 new buds just beginning to come out from it.
that was 3 years ago though. the change is drastic, but yeah, 3 whole years...
This is a very good idea and should be used more often.
This method helps with the filteration to remove nitrates etc from the water.
Lots of plants can be used like this, i reuse the plant baskets from aquatic plants with the mineral wool and just hook them over the aquarium side. In a few week the roots beome long and the fish seem to like them.