Potting Aquatic Plants

[looloo]

Any one tried potting aquatic plants before?

I have a 2 feet tank and recently got a E. Ozelot from a forum friend, reserved about 3/4 feet for the Ozelot but think it will grow much larger, so thinking of potting it using plastic tuperware to prevent its roots from spreading and getting larger.

Think it will work? Any comments, suggestions, ideas???

Thanks...

DesmonD

[Daz]

My guess that it will work, cause I doing that for some of my plants.

Only thing is that the plant will not grow to it's full size cause the roots are restricted.

[looloo]

Thanks Daryl...

That's the point, have to keep it "small" or else no space to grow! : )

DesmonD

[caseSENSITIVE]

A word of caution: "potted" plants are more prone to develop to anaerobic conditions. Among others, Karen Randall, one of our most respected professional aquarist, reported severe anaerobic conditions in her potted plants. Coupled with the fact that you probably are going to employ substrate fertilization for your nutrient-hungry root feeder sword, I think it is unwise to "pot" this plant.

A possible solution would be plant the sword unpotted and periodically uproot/replant it. Simply take a serrated knife and cut into the substrate around the sword. Pull the plant, trim the roots/leaves, and replant.

If it were me, I wouldn't grow it. It seems a tad bit out of scale for your tank. Don't worry though, it's a perfectly good excuse to get yourself a pond. :wink:

[imported_lily]

Hi all,
After reading what you guys wrote, I am glad I learn something new.
I bought some plants recently and they came in a small plastic bin with the roots wrapped with cotton sponge. .Being a lazy person, I just put the plants in the tank without any washing or trimming. I never like gardening but love to have a nice greenly planted tank.
I do not know the names of the plants in my tank and never take interest in knowing them but I think the same rule applies, thank you.

[RonWill]

That's the point, have to keep it "small" or else no space to grow! : )

Desmond, I'll tell you what I've done with the Ozelot and you can decide from there...

About 2 years back, I experimented with Ozelots grown emersed, in a hydroponics method and had it reaching 2 feet tall, with numerous plantlets on flowering stalks. Nutrient in the water column was more than ample and even had some of my urea. Growth was excellent that algae didn't even gain a foothold. As the experimental bin was outdoors, the Ozelot received a good few hours of harsh direct sunlight.

Before I moved to my new home, the Ozelot were in 5 inches of substrate in my planted 3 footer tank. Nutrient was PMDD dosed daily via a Ehiem liquid doser and lighting were 2 units of overhead 150W Metal Halide lamps.

Foliage grew until it reached the surface and then some, until it literally occupied the water surface. Echinodorus are BIG plants and will grow, if given the proper conditions.

In my present low 8 inch high tank (formerly Kwek Leong's), I have it in 1 inch gravel and ambient lighting. Although the shallow substrate avoided the anaerobic issue, I could never get the Ozelot to grow beyond 4 inches!

The size of any Echinodorus species, be it 'Ozelot', 'Oriental' or 'Rubin', is limited IMHO, by the following factors; intensity of light, root restriction, nutrient availability and depth of substrate.

If you have a small tank, try the 'light-limiting' and 'substrate-limiting' method, and see which works best for you.

[FC]

Desmond,

I would go with caseSENSITIVE, big plants go with big tanks. Ronnie's encounter is interesting but you may not be able to repeat his. The other point is when I want to have a plant in my tank, I would go all out to provide the best (within my means and needs) for the plant, to achieve the best colour and form that the plant can produce. Therefore, limiting a plant is, at least for my liking, not the way to go. Unless, you can accept half-alseep plant.