how do u make a carpet of a plant across the surface of the substrate?

[Karma954]

Actually it's really easy. The thing to do is let it grow on the surface of the water. It will get tons of light that way and spread like crazy. Once you have enough just plant it and you are good. This works great for any aquatic plant that can grow freefloating, which includes baby tears. Otherwise it is a serious exercise in patience (or requires equipment and supplements) to get a good planting going in a large tank.

gnarly idea, the only concern is that the filter hes using is a Piece of ish AquaTech filte (walmart brand). its waterfall is very strong, and im sure the plant will just get knocked around and beaten up.. ideas for that?

 

[SickBum]

Hmm, maybe you can set the filter lower in the tank or the water level higher. Usually what happens is the cuttings all go towards one side though then start to fill in.

 

[dundadundun]

even easier... grow them terrestrially... look up the dry start method, etc..

then when you have a carpet fill up the tank with water... or when you've grown enough to make a carpet... plant it or float it until it acclimates and plant it.