Should I remove the sponge?

BioHazard

BioHazard

Here and There
Mar 15, 2009
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I bought a couple of java ferns online recently. I know not to bury them, because it will rot the rhizomes. However, they came with little weights and a sponge wrapped around the bottom. Should I remove the sponges? Were they just to keep them moist during shipping, or are they supposed to be left there? I'd rather take them off, as they don't look particularly natural or attractive...
Thanks for any help! :thm:
 
the "sponge" is rockwool most likely. its used to promote root growth (or in this case the pseudo roots). get rid of it. its not necessary in an aquarium. if you have driftwood or a decent sized rock, you can tie the plant onto either with a piece of thread. it will take time, but eventually the plants "root" system will hold it to the wood without the assistance of the thread

ps: you can learn more about this by using the search feature :)
 
I did try to search for it, but I couldn't find much. It was hard to pick what search terms to use.
 
Yeah, I think our search function could use a little work. I get what I'm looking for, maybe, 10% of the time. And, I still have to search through a ton of stuff, because it isn't sorted by relevance.
 
It's better if you can also take the weights off without tearing up the rhizome. Those weights could cause that portion of the rhizome to decay. Use string or fishing line to tie it (loosely!).. or just bury the roots while leaving the rhizome above ground.
 
Very true. I should have mentioned that.
 
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