Outdoor Planting

[matashi]

After looking at the pros here with the outdoor farms and projects. I decided I should start a farm of my own to supply my own planted tank.

Using soil bought from nurseries, I did emerse form planting of HC.

Attachment 44061

No fertilizers, just daily watering to make sure the soil stays damp. Plants get a few hours of natural sunlight during the afternoon.

After 1 week
Attachment 44062

After 2 weeks, I notice some leaves dying off and new leaves sprouting and some runners.
However, the main clusters seems to die off and some have completely died.
Attachment 44063
Attachment 44064

Any shifu here can advice?

[inrewind]

Hi Matashi, I reckon you will need to cover the top with cling wrap for two-four weeks depending on the growth of the HC. The greenhouse effect will help retain the moisture, & once the HC is acclimatised, it should grow nicely from then on. I have tried growing HC (natural sunlight) this way, & it worked for me. Hope it will work for you too!

[tureblue82]

keeping a close watch on this!

[matashi]

It's being watered daily right to the brim without creating puddles for mosquitoes breeding but still the soil is wet right at the plant. Do I still need to wrap?

[inrewind]

Cling wrapping the pot will increase the humidity level, which will help in the growth of the HC. Try not to spray water everyday after cling wrapping, because too much moisture is not good too.

[matashi]

Ok will do so. Thanks for your advice!

[matashi]

After 2 weeks of cling wrap
Attachment 44380
Attachment 44381

Even the chilli padi seeds planted weeks before I started HC DSM started sprouting too
Attachment 44382

Thanks for the advice!!!

[inrewind]

Just saw your update, your HC is looking good. Glad it worked for you!

[jamesneo]

Hi Matashi,

What type of soil did you bought from nurseries? Any particular brand?

Thanks for sharing.

[matashi]

Hi James, no particular brand. 3 packs at $10. Same size as 5kg gravels at LFS.

[Goalkeeper]

Will they do well when submerged in water later? I bought 2 pcs at C328 last week and planted them submerged...hopefully will see success.

[matashi]

After 4 weeks
Attachment 44658

Attachment 44659

Attachment 44660

[matashi]

Will they do well when submerged in water later? I bought 2 pcs at C328 last week and planted them submerged...hopefully will see success.

I believe many will tell you they have failed terribly submerged. I myself included

[matashi]

I realize the thickest patch is starting to grow upwards. Maybe it's the wrap that's causing the plant to grow up to reach more sunlight?

Attachment 44661

[matashi]

Attachment 44662
Comparison

[Urban Aquaria]

I realize the thickest patch is starting to grow upwards. Maybe it's the wrap that's causing the plant to grow up to reach more sunlight?

Attachment 44661

From my experience, even when grown emersed under strong direct sunlight, the older originally planted HC will naturally grow taller in the middle of the patches (since they have been around from the beginning and growing for a longer time) while newer runners slowly carpet sideways as they grow out.

To maintain lower growth, you'll just need to trim the taller stalks shorter, and re-plant the cut sections... eventually once the HC bunches connect together and create a carpet, they will all continue growing at the same pace and height.

[matashi]

Hi UA, do I cut at the stems? Without the roots and replant?

[Urban Aquaria]

Hi UA, do I cut at the stems? Without the roots and replant?

Yeah, its basically the same as propagating stem plants, just cut the stems and plant them directly into the soil... they will develop roots and continue growing from there.

[matashi]

Ooh ok thanks. Time to put on my farmer hat

[matashi]

Today went to buy more pots, time to try another plant on emersed.

Looking at Monte Carlo or staurogyne repens.

I know Monte Carlo can work for emersed set up but I feel it's not much difference compare to my HC. Anyone can advise if staurogyne repens are good to go for my outdoor farm?