Non aquatic plant question

[Stefanie]

Hi All,

I am pretty new to keeping live plants, and so far have several times accidentally bought non aquatic plants. I was wondering if there is a way to tell by looking at the plant if it is aquatic, or if it is just a matter of learning over time and trying to memorize them all? I have brought them home and then went to "plantgeek.net" to look them up. That is how I found out... I would just like to avoid this in future.

Thank you for any tips...

 

[djlen]

It helps if you know your house plant varieties, because many of the plants sold as 'aquatics' are house plants. Many varieties of palm and terrestrial plants are pushed off on unsuspecting newcomers.
There is a plant called 'mondo grass', often sold as a ground cover, but it will not live long in a submersed state.
I go to a very reputable LFS and have a running battle with the lady who keeps the plant section, over a plant called Green Hedge. It looks beautiful(lush green) especially when it first comes in, but won't last very long in a submersed state.
I've asked her how she can sell it and she says, 'people don't seem to mind. They just come back and buy more when it dies'. I don't understand this philosophy, but her scruples seem to allow it. What more can I say!!??!!

Len

 

[flyingfish]

Well, this isn't a hard and fast rule, but if the plant seems to be able to hold itslf up by itself out of the water, then it may not be an aquatic. Most aquatic plants seem to rely on water for bouyance, at least a little. Also the leaves are usually thinner(from top to bottom of an individual leaf) on aquatic plants. So if you look at the leaves, and they seem really fleshy it may be a non-aquatic. Hope this helps.

 

[OrionGirl]

Best bet--rather than try to memorize all of either group, shop around. Take a notepad, and write down names and descriptions of each plants--if possible, take a digital camera and snap shots of the plants. Then come home and research the plants you liked, see if they are a) aquatic, b) compatible with your setup. Then go buy. This will prevent you from buying non-aquatic plants, as well as aquatic plants that have needs you can't meet.

Other option--research for true aquatics that will fit in your tank, compile a list of names, descriptions and pictures to print out and take with you to the store.

I've gone both routes with good results. The first works best when shopping local stores, the second if you have to drive a ways to get to the less than local fish stores (I shop a lot in Denver--50-ish miles away).

 

[Stefanie]

Thank you all. I will try to be more careful and plan ahead. I guess I am still too excited when I see a new plant. Funny that Mondo Grass and Green Hedge were mentioned, because those were my two mistakes. Green Hedge a while ago and Mondo Grass yesterday. That made me start this thread.

 

[djlen]

Take it back Stephanie! I saw it in one of the nicest fish stores I've ever shopped in, in Maryland....'The Aquarium Center'. It was the only one of the non-aquatics I saw there, but I was really surprised to see it in such a well respected facility with very knowledgeable people.
Just goes to show you. You need to keep your eyes open.

Len