best stores for plants?

[Pyrrolin]

I am going into Ottawa in the next few days probably and wondering what stores have the best selection of plants so I can try to find something I like and don't already have.

[ftan]

La Niche in gatineau
They have the best of everything

[Ruber]

I have bought all my plants also at la niche in gatineau, 5 to 0 minutes from Ottawa.

Only thing I bought elsewhere was Big als and it was java moss,  but ended up being christmass moss instead.

[limed]

  Lot of members have plants here, just post what you're looking for and
you may find what you want. Most of the members have nice plant and you
would also get information on what that plant may need to stay nice.

Ed

[exv152]

I would post in the "looking for" section of the classifieds. The variety of plants grown by several ovas members here would really surprise you.

[guck]

I would post in the "looking for" section of the classifieds. The variety of plants grown by several ovas members here would really surprise you.

That is actually interesing.  There is a not so recent thread about someone seeking for a list of fish breeder in the area which I proposed that I would be willing to maintain such a list http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=58031.msg326631#msg326631.  Now that plants are on the topic, having such an equivalent list could be interesting as well.  In fact, having a wiki would make maintenance of such lists rather easy.

[angelcraze]

That is actually interesing.  There is a not so recent thread about someone seeking for a list of fish breeder in the area which I proposed that I would be willing to maintain such a list http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=58031.msg326631#msg326631.  Now that plants are on the topic, having such an equivalent list could be interesting as well.  In fact, having a wiki would make maintenance of such lists rather easy.

Haha, agreed, I don't see why this can't be a thread, myself, perhaps a discussion on success with plants bought locally?  I myself have never been to La Niche.  I have heard good things about the variety of plants there, and how the staff cares.  I like Critter Jungle in the Hampton plaza.  I like how they get away from the norm (plant speaking) and sometimes get very rare plants in, it's like thy strive for this.  This goes for their fish too!!  I don't know about La Niche, but CJ also has some beautiful display tanks to help inspire.  And absolutely, the staff puts a lot of effort into listening and aiding your concerns and are knowledgeable and helpful in giving effective proper advice.

[angelcraze]

I might add that I like to buy plants from fellow local aquarist.  You will usually get better results, with the plants not being shipped for long distances, and the plants, one would assume, would need less time to adjust from tank to tank, due to approx. same water source used.  Although parameters and conditions will vary greatly based on different chems, ferts, knowledge, and setups (methods) we all throw in, possess, and do.....haha

[guck]

I like Critter Jungle in the Hampton plaza.  I like how they get away from the norm (plant speaking)  CJ also has some beautiful display tanks to help inspire.  And absolutely, the staff puts a lot of effort into listening and aiding your concerns and are knowledgeable and helpful in giving effective proper advice.

Must agree with that 100%.  It's a must see, even behind the scenes i.e. behind the panels to access the tanks. I went there after recommendation from this message http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=58213.msg326611#msg326611 from Charlie.  Jason is like a walking encyclopedia.  I explained him about my intentions of a naturally planted tank with top soil, he recommended some plant.  I got three types,  I wish I could remember their names.  I am happy with the way they grow.

[guck]

I might add that I like to buy plants from fellow local aquarist.  You will usually get better results, with the plants not being shipped for long distances, and the plants, one would assume, would need less time to adjust from tank to tank, due to approx. same water source used.  Although parameters and conditions will vary greatly based on different chems, ferts, knowledge, and setups (methods) we all throw in, possess, and do.....haha

Hence the need for the list I was referring too.  In the column header, plant names, in row header, forum username.  In a wiki, it can be self maitained by users.   And if that grows too big, throw that in a serachable database.

[Pyrrolin]

In Kingston I was the biggest plant seller besides the 3 stores and I am now in Lanark and greatly downsized.  I only have a single 50 gallon for extra plants just to maintain my collection for when we move again.  And due to my location, there would be a very small market for plants so not worth the space to keep growing even if I had the space.

I am looking for less common plants, nothing specific, just something that catches my eye that I don't already have and wanted to know the best places to browse.

[charlie]

I`ll chip my 2 cent in.
The Ottawa Market is a tough one generally & more so when it comes to aquatic plants, there is one common factor that has run through & still does presently -(a) most of the folks that are looking to buy plants wants it for next to nothing (b) they are not enough demand for the rarer exotic aquatic plants & as such the very few LFS that do sell plants tend to stick to the run of the mill plants , as with any retailer - stock what sells.

The very few hobbyist who do grow the harder & rarer plants, tend to just swap with the few serious planted tank hobbyist or compost them, since most times it`s not worth there time & effort to attempt to sell them at a reasonable price, believe be there is a small group that would travel to Toronto, Montreal just to visit the LFS in search of the next exotic plant that cannot be found locally.
It`s just the nature of the beast in this market.
Regards

[angelcraze]

I have had plants shipped to me that caught my eye, that I couldn't find here.  And I'm not talking Singapore.  I mean like from the US, or Toronto, Montreal, but yeah, Charlie is right, the retailers must stock what sells.  Not only that, but what makes money, like rooting plants (swords, crypts,) not necessarily plants that reproduce easily as in stems, that we local aquarist just could trade.  But I will say, Jason at CJ makes an attempt to appease the more serious aquatic gardener.  I am sure if you asked, he could put your request on a list for order.  You just have to catch them when they come in, they fly away like hotcakes when these serious planted aquascapers buy large quantities of rare plants.

[Freshwater Rookie]

Critter Jungle Carling and Kirkwood. I have had great experiences there as of late. Very knowledgeable, nice plant selection and everything is healthy.