Steam plants goin Krazy

kamla

kamla

The Algae Grower
Feb 8, 2005
249
0
0
NJ
My steam plants (Ludwigia Red and baby Tears) are putting roots out like crazy.
I mean form each node, they about2-3 inches long.
They make the plants look like crap.
When I first got them from the LFS they did not have any roots.

My Ph = 6.8, KH=8, NO3= 10ppm PO=1-1.5ppm. temp 79.

It is because of some nutrient deficiency
The plants are growing fine. Also the Red Ludwiga is losing its red color.
My light are 65*4 of PC on for 10 hours/ day with 3 hr gap in the afternoon.
i am using Flourish to provide trace elements.
 
trace only?

You are giving them traces, but what about macro fertilizers -- N, P, K?
 
The reason they are putting out roots all along the stem is because they are happy plants... VERY happy plants. That is the curse of stem plants: they grow like mad, but put out so many roots it makes them look crappy.

The reason they didnt have side roots when you bought them most likely is because they were grown emersed. Most plant nurseries do this, as it allows for faster more compact growth, thus they look better when you buy them.

You can work around the roots by trimming and replanting once a week. Clip the tops off (which have little or no roots), uproot the remaining stem, then plant the top. It'll look nice for a day or so, then the roots will come back nd you can do it all over again. :) Welcome to the world of stem plants.

As for your Ludwiga losing its color, how big is your tank, and why is there a gap in the middle of the day without lighting? That sounds like a lot of lighting, but I know red plants need an especially high amount. It may need mor eintense lighting, or at least 10 straight hours, without a gap. Maybe up your NO3 a little bit. Your CO2 is fine, maybe a little on the high side even. I'm sure your plants appreciate it, but your fish might not.
 
that sucks...
can you suggest some other stema plants that will not grow air roots..
i mean water roots..;)
 
Ummm...

I think Elodea (anacharis) won't grow those types of roots. Hornwort. Dont take my word for it, but maybe water sprite too.

Right now I'm experiementing with Moneywort, but even that's starting to put out roots, though not as bad as hygro.
 
kamla said:
My Ph = 6.8, KH=8, NO3= 10ppm PO=1-1.5ppm. temp 79.
Click to expand...

:OT: You have an awful lot of disolved Co2 in that tank. Do you keep it at that level all the time?
 
NowherMan6 said:
Ummm...

I think Elodea (anacharis) won't grow those types of roots.
Click to expand...
Trust me, they do. :)

After putting on 26watts of light into my 10G, the anacharis and cabomba all started shooting roots like crazy.
I know my tank has high N-ates (overstocked).
 
ashdavid - yes i do keep it @ that level, i cannot adjust the co2 because its DIY.
But i have add an air stone to gass off some CO2 and oxgenate the water.

i tried Hornwart, did not like it, and i have anacharis, its great growing like a weed. LOL
have to trim it every week, keep th eNO3 in check though.

i guess all steam plants will put out roots..
anything that will look good but not put out air roots
 
Trust me, they do.
Click to expand...

Fair enough, my bad. I have no experience with that plant, but just from pictures of it - and from the shape and texture of the plant - it didn't seem like it would be a crazy "rooter" like the others.
 
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