Stem plants with roots growing on stalk

[winston77]

Any idea why roots can be seen growing out from stems at the water column, instead of into the substrate/basefert?

Especially the Rotalas.

[SmallFish]

propagation baby .... propagation

[winston77]

Unlikely. This roots are usually single strand, and long enough. It does not look like those of propogation.

[Jungle-mania]

Stem plants do often grow single strain of roots and this is sometimes a mean for the plants to get nutrients in the water. I believe what smallfish meant is that the plant can be cut into half under the root and the top can be replanted again.

[Justikanz]

Stem plants do creep, especially with high lighting intensities. Thus, they are prepared to and will grow roots and shoots from every node. A common behaviour. Especially with some Rotalas and Hygrophilas.