Mangrove plant help

**edric** · 22nd Oct 2014, 08:45

Hi guys. I need help with my mangrove tree, it is in freshwater as some people have done it that way... so I was wondering how do fertilise it, through water column or root tabs? And whether the plant needs to be above the water. Thanks!

**Urban Aquaria** · 22nd Oct 2014, 15:25

If the mangrove plant's roots are just placed in the water or tied to objects, then water column ferts will provide it with nutrients... if their roots are planted in the substrate, then root tabs will help.

The roots of the plant can be underwater, but the leaves have to be above water.

**edric** · 22nd Oct 2014, 18:56

Thanks!! Last question. Is growing them in freshwater okay?

**Urban Aquaria** · 22nd Oct 2014, 19:19

Originally Posted by edric

Thanks!! Last question. Is growing them in freshwater okay?

Its possible... just depends on whether the ones you get were grown in brackish water or freshwater conditions. Either way they will usually adapt to your tank conditions and grow.

I had a mangrove plant placed in one of my tank's hang-on filters before (was trying out the emersed plant-in-filter method), it was able to grow over time.

**edric** · 22nd Oct 2014, 19:27

Okay okay, very last question, what kind of lights would they need to grow? Room light okay?

**Urban Aquaria** · 22nd Oct 2014, 20:16

Originally Posted by edric

Okay okay, very last question, what kind of lights would they need to grow? Room light okay?

I guess room lights could work... the more light they get the faster and better they'll grow (note that they still tend to be relatively slow growers though).

Mine was positioned next to a window, so it grew mainly by using sunlight.