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Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
by FinFan
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
Re: Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 7:09 am
by willie32
FinFan wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
I've got a few plants growing out of my tanks - Pothos, Mini Monsterra, and Lucky Bamboo. I've also got an Asparagus Fern waiting to be added. When adding them, I just wash the soil off the roots and give them a little trim before putting them in the water. To keep them above the tank, you can use store-bought cradles or baskets, or get creative with some stainless steel wire - just twist it around the stem, shape it into a hook, and hang it over the edge of the tank.
Re: Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 8:33 am
by TankWarrior
FinFan wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
Hello Fish. Spider Plant roots won't thrive submerged in water for an extended period. I've found that Pothos, Nephthytis, Impatience, and Chinese Evergreen are more suitable options for underwater growth.
Re: Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 10:51 am
by WildFins
willie32 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 7:09 am
FinFan wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
I've got a few plants growing out of my tanks - Pothos, Mini Monsterra, and Lucky Bamboo. I've also got an Asparagus Fern waiting to be added. When adding them, I just wash the soil off the roots and give them a little trim before putting them in the water. To keep them above the tank, you can use store-bought cradles or baskets, or get creative with some stainless steel wire - just twist it around the stem, shape it into a hook, and hang it over the edge of the tank.
With the Pothos, after trimming the roots, wouldn't it be better to keep them in a separate container of water to heal first, since the cut roots can be toxic?
Re: Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 1:40 pm
by FinFan
TankWarrior wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 8:33 am
FinFan wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
Hello Fish. Spider Plant roots won't thrive submerged in water for an extended period. I've found that Pothos, Nephthytis, Impatience, and Chinese Evergreen are more suitable options for underwater growth.
I've come across a few websites that claim spider plants thrive in a tank environment. However, I appreciate your input and will definitely explore the other options you've mentioned, such as Pothos and Nephthytis.
Re: Growing a spider plant in my aquarium
Posted: Sun Aug 18, 2024 1:40 pm
by FinFan
WildFins wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 10:51 am
willie32 wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 7:09 am
FinFan wrote: ↑Sun Aug 18, 2024 5:55 am
I've been researching using live plants in my aquarium and spider plants caught my eye. My main concern is, can I let the roots grow freely into the tank, or should I keep them contained to prevent any issues with my fish?
I've got a few plants growing out of my tanks - Pothos, Mini Monsterra, and Lucky Bamboo. I've also got an Asparagus Fern waiting to be added. When adding them, I just wash the soil off the roots and give them a little trim before putting them in the water. To keep them above the tank, you can use store-bought cradles or baskets, or get creative with some stainless steel wire - just twist it around the stem, shape it into a hook, and hang it over the edge of the tank.
With the Pothos, after trimming the roots, wouldn't it be better to keep them in a separate container of water to heal first, since the cut roots can be toxic?
I've been experimenting with Pothos in my tank and I don't trim the roots, I just let them fall off as they adapt to the water. There's been a lot of discussion about the toxicity of plant chemicals to fish, but I've never seen any concrete evidence of harm in riparium or paludarium setups - in fact, I've only seen benefits. I've been following Plant Life Project and Tropical Fish Hub on YouTube, they're my go-to sources for this topic.