Planting Stem Plants

[androo303]

Hey all,

Picked up some sweet plants at La Niche (thx M-A!). However, I have a quick question...

How do i plant stem plants? I picked up what looks to be cabomba caroliniana but when I unwrapped the metal binding and the took the sponge off, it was all stems (no roots). How would i go about planting these? Can i just leave them in a bunch wrapped in metal and wait for roots to come out?

Andrew

[Jeff1192]

Just plant each stem in your substrate separately. They'll eventually take root.

Jeff

[androo303]

I tried that (after much reading on the web), but every time i try to stick the stem into the sand it tends to flow back up. Any tricks?

[jetstream]

Try push the stem into the substrate at an angle with a tweezer! 

[androo303]

Well thanks to you both i finally got them planted!

It took a little manouevering but none the less, I like the outcome... It'll definitely provide some hiding spaces for new fry!

[BigDaddy]

If they are really bad floaters and you have really loose substrate you can leave the zinc loosely wrapped around the base and just sink them for a week or two... most stems will start developing enough of a root system that you can then plant them with a bit more ease.

[dan2x38]

Trick I use is cutting up a soda straw. Then punch a hole in the straw while it is laying sideways and draw the stem through the hole. Then bury it in the substrate. You could also get some of those cheap small tie wraps from the buck store and place one on each stem then just stick in the substrate.

How deep is your substrate? What type of substrate is it? Hope the fry enjoy their new cover...

[androo303]

I have the Fluorite Black sand. Probably between 2-3 inches around as it varies. Some places lower, some places higher.

[dan2x38]

I have the Fluorite Black sand. Probably between 2-3 inches around as it varies. Some places lower, some places higher.

sounds perfect... hope there taking now?

[androo303]

Actually yes, they are taking. I shoved them deep into the sand and it looks like they sticking. I did however wake up this morning to see one floating at the top of the tank, but that took me all of 30 seconds to shove it back in. When i was looking at it did look like some roots were starting to sprout so i am quite excited about that.

My only problem i am worrying about is my grassy type plant i did and it does look like it is moving (but that is out of the scope of this thread).

Thanks for asking and again for all your help!    

[Fishnut]

I recently discovered the planting tweezers.  They're great!  I don't know how I did without them any more because they make planting anything so easy compared to using my fingers.