All plants have species-specific needs for light, soil nutrients, and pH. Aquarium plants are no exception.
For plants to grow and thrive, they need adequate light. Like house plants, tropical aquarium species have different light requirements. Choose a filter that clears out plant particles so that the water remains clear. Cloudy water contains sediment that can fall on plant leaves, making it more difficult for plants to photosynthesize.
The rooting and water environments are also important. Tropical aquarium plants do well in fine gravel and prefer to have a small amount of iron fertilizer in the water, if possible. Use very small amounts of fertilizer to avoid polluting the tank. It is also possible to purchase a clay substrate for aquatic plants. Most aquatic plants prefer an aquarium pH between 6.5 and 7.2, though individual plants vary. |
