Propagating plants

Growing, propagating, or multiplying your aquarium plants yourself? It's easier than it sounds. Below you will find the basics, divided into three plant groups: stem plants, rosette plants, and rhizome plants.

Stem Plants

The stem plant is one of the most common plant forms in the aquarium, recognizable by the stem with leaf nodes. You can cut the plant at each node and replant it.

Step-by-step plan:

• Cut the plant as straight as possible, above a node
• Replant the cut piece into the substrate, preferably in the nutrient substrate
• After some time, the shoot will form new roots and continue to grow

Well-known stem plant families: Alternanthera, Vallisneria, Egeria Densa, Ceratophyllum Demersum, Hygrophila.

Rosette Plants

Rosette plants multiply via runners – small nodes on the plant. This makes them relatively easy to propagate, provided the runner already has 3 or more leaves to draw nutrition from light.

Step-by-step plan:

• Cut or tear off the young plantlet as soon as it has 3 or more leaves
• Replant it, preferably in a good nutrient substrate
• After some time, the plant will root well

Well-known rosette plant families: Echinodorus, Cryptocoryne, Cyperus, Sagittaria.

Rhizome Plants

Rhizome plants form new plants via a rhizome. You can split the rhizome, as long as at least 3 leaves remain per piece. Attach the loose piece to wood, and a new plantlet will emerge from the rhizome.

Step-by-step plan:

• Divide the rhizome, with at least 3 leaves per piece
• Attach the piece to a piece of wood
• After some time, new plantlets will appear

Well-known rhizome plant families: Anubias, Bucephalandra, Microsorum, Bolbitis.

Useful Tools

For propagating and attaching plants, it is best to use special plant tools: tweezers, plant scissors, and aquarium glue make the work much easier.