Pre-packaged plants?!

[WinterWind]

I was browsing at Petco today, and I saw something that I haven't seen before. They had pre-packaged aquarium plants. They are in plastic containers with no water. I can't remember the brand or company, but they were planted into some type of gel and had no water or exposure to the air. I thought it was quite novel. Is it a good idea? Some of the plants were really unhealthy, probably because of the length of time they were in there. Do you guys think they are actually terrestrial plants posing as aquarium plants? Is this a good way to get plants?

 

[jonathan03]

I'd stick with the ones in the water. Sounds almost like those aquababies but just for plants.

 

[Samala]

I've seen them. Some are terrestrial, some are aquatic. Most are pretty much mis-labeled. I've seen java fern in those containers, any aquarium plant that was grown emersed and kept in this high humidity environment seems to ship okay if they have at least a little light. I think the gel is likely an agar or agarose formula.. that's what it looks like to me. Probably supplemented with ferts. I wouldnt go this route if you really wanted plants though. Looks to me like just another gimmick to get your money.

 

[flyingfish]

Actually this gel stuff is used widely on treeroots instead of soil/burlap so that the tree can be shipped with a much larger root system intact (moist soil is very heavy/expensive to ship)- thus ensuring a much healthier tree. The roots are able to get hydration from the gel. That's on trees - like you plant in the yard. I have no idea how long an aquarium plant would survive in the stuff but it might be worth checking out. It's an interesting idea. :idea2:

 

[WinterWind]

I would like to get some, but since I have only 1.5 WPG, and the plant may be a high light plant, I don't want to risk it. Do you guys know the scientific names of the plants they sell and I will do some research on them to see if they fit my tank and lighting.

 

[Signus]

My advice: avoid them. Either that or reseach which plants you might be interested in. I got the papyrus shoots and they did nothing but foul up my water after rotting.

At 1.5 wpg, you could try temple plant, java fern, anacharis, and most crypts. I've had a lot of success with those plants when using that particular wattage. I'd go with cryps most of all. They are very pretty and colorful. You will not need CO2 at that level and can keep ferts to a bare minimum, if at all. Your fish food should be enough.

Good luck!