Roots growing out of aquasoil

[furyprix]

Hi bros, I realised that my crypts are sending their roots out of the aquasoil, into the water column. Can this be due to anaerobic conditions in the soil? The crypts are planted in ~5-7cm deep ADA Amazonia. The tank has only been running for 4 months. Only the crypts are doing this. Is this a cause for concern?

[thebaldingaquarist]

roots growing out of the soil can indicate lack of certain nutrients or overly anaerobic conditions in the substrate.

if the plant is doing well and the roots are coming out, in my experience this is fine. in some cases, this is a survival mechanism by the plants. in cases where water recedes and the plant is partially submerged, the roots will allow the plant to get more aerial advantage and/or grip on the substrate.

If the plant is losing leaves and stems are browning, then it means that plant is looking for missing nutrient(s) by growing aerial like roots.

[furyprix]

hmm, I dont see any specific deficiencies in the plants in the tank. but just in case its due to anaerobic conditions in the substrate, how can I go about to reduce/improve the condition? it is pretty unsightly seeing all the roots 'exposed'

[thebaldingaquarist]

hmm, I dont see any specific deficiencies in the plants in the tank. but just in case its due to anaerobic conditions in the substrate, how can I go about to reduce/improve the condition? it is pretty unsightly seeing all the roots 'exposed'

this i am not sure.. pushing it back will disturb your substrate.. which is not good.
cutting it will damage the plant...

[furyprix]

I did attempt to push some into the substrate... (picture was taken after pushing)

[jamesneo]

It could be due to the roots already have no place to grow further under the substrate. Crypts will develop long and thick roots especially if the substrate is rich with nutrients. From my previous experience with crypts, roots can grow up to 30cm long even thou the substrate could be 5 to 7cm. Once pull out, prepare to have cloudy, blackish water.

Happy planting.