pearling plants = healthy plants

**gentle** · 10th Mar 2009, 13:52

i invested in canister filter, CO2 cylinder and migrated my 2ft to a 2.5ft tank...

now the glosso and HC are pearling...

does that mean everything is alright, and what i have to do is wait for the nice lawn?

**Philosophos** · 10th Mar 2009, 14:16

It means they're respirating heavily. I'm not sure how long glosso keeps a nutrient store back in its roots, but I couldn't imagine it being very long. It's probably a good sign if it's pearling, spreading and looking green. Be sure to keep it trimmed down as it spreads so the undergrowth doesn't all die off.

**vinz** · 10th Mar 2009, 15:12

To avoid any misconception:

Non-pearling plants does NOT equal unhealthy plants.

Pearling occurs when the water is so saturated with oxygen, that additional oxygen CANNOT dissolve into the water. The additional oxygen than forms bubbles under the plant leaves.

**Philosophos** · 10th Mar 2009, 15:18

I get pearling on top of some of my plant leaves. what causes this? I always thought it was the result of respiration from the extra "O2" getting knocked off the CO2. I've seen the underside of leaves get the bubbles too, though; I've never been sure if it's always oxygen or co2.

-Philosophos

**tien13378** · 10th Mar 2009, 17:10

I think it is alright. Just waiting, I wish you have a nice glosso and HC carpet soon.

**vinz** · 10th Mar 2009, 17:20

The bubbles usually form under the leaves because that's where the stomatas are. I always assumed their bouyancy cause them to "move" or form above the leaves.