Can Aquarium Plants Stay in Pots

The tiny pots holding the aquarium plants look extremely cute. As a result, many people prefer to keep them inside the aquarium as such. These little plastic pots are usually harmless yet you need to check the substrate it holds.

Whenever you head for any plant store, you will see them packing the aquarium plants in tiny plastic pots. Often the plants are grown in these pots only to be sold to the customers. If you wonder whether you can put them directly in the tank or have to plant in the tank’s substrate, this article will help. Here, we will understand can aquarium plants stay in pots and what care and maintenance will they require in such condition.

Aquarium plants in pots

Aquarium plants are usually sold in little pots, also called plugs. It is completely fine to keep these plants along with the pots inside the tank, provided you take care of a few things.

First of all, you need to check the substrate in which the plant is grown in the pot. Plant store owners may use different types of substrates to support the root growth and health of the seedlings. These substrates also offer nutrition to them. Some of the common substrate types found in little pots or plugs are-

1. Aquatic plant soil
2. Clay-base substrate
3. Inert substrate with fertilizer capsules
4. Peat based substrate
5. Aquarium gravel with added fertilizers

The large farms that propagate aquatic plants for commercial purpose often grow them hydroponically or in semi-aquatic setup. In this method, rock wool is used to support root growth and complete plant’s nutritional requirement.

Rock wool is a type of inorganic material, composed of minerals and melted rocks that are spun into fibers. It has spongy texture due to which it helps in retaining moisture while offering good aeration for plant roots. At the same time, rock wool absorbs the fertilizers sprayed to it and deliver it to the plant throughout the day.

While other types of substrates in tiny pots or plugs are fine to keep inside the tank, those with rock wool should be taken care of. Since it is an inorganic material, it is advised to remove the entire rock wool from the roots and then replant it inside the pot or directly into the substrate of the tank.

Removing Rock Wool- Why It Is Necessary

Below are some of the most common reasons why removing rock wool becomes a necessity-

• Rock wool can change the water chemistry– Rock wool is alkaline material; therefore, it is always advised to rinse it thoroughly before use- even while using it for the first time. If you dip it in water without rinsing, the balance of the tank water may disrupt, affecting the water pH drastically and harming the fish’s health.
• Rock wool breaks down and decompose– Even though durable and hardy, rock wool starts to break down in the water over time. Tiny fibers release into the water and create cloudiness. It not only affects the water quality but also pose threat to fish health as they may swallow the fibers.
• Rock wool disrupts root growth– While this statement may seem controversial, the dense fibers of rock wool hinder the root growth in the later stages of plant’s life. Rock wool is considered ideal for the roots when the plant is small and in initial stages of growth. Later, inside the rock wool, the roots struggle to spread and anchor properly.
• Rock wool may cause nutritional imbalance– Rock wool itself doesn’t provide nutrients for plants, so it can interfere with how the plant accesses nutrients in the substrate. Without nutrients from the rock wool, plants will rely solely on the substrate or fertilizers in the water column, which might not be ideal for their overall health.
• Rock wool is not aesthetically appealing– Keeping more natural things in the aquarium takes it towards looking more aesthetic and appealing. However, rock wool is not the most natural looking material. Removing will give a more visually appealing setup, especially when plants are growing in the substrate or substrate soil.

How to remove rock wool?

Now that you know why it is important to get rid of all the rock wool from the roots of the plant or from the pot or plug, below are the steps that you must follow-

1. Rinsing– Be gentle with the delicate roots and rinse them. It will help you take out most of the rock wool.
2. Manual removal– If you see more rock wool or fibrous material around the roots, remove them gently with your fingers. Again, doing it under the tap water will ease the process.
3. Using brush– You can also use an old toothbrush to really get in there and remove the rest of the fibrous rock wool material. Make sure using the brush gently to avoid any root damage.

Once you are sure that all or most of the rock wool is removed, you can place the plant directly into the substrate or in a new pot with the right plant substrate. It could be aquarium soil, clay-based or peat based with appropriate nutrients.

Maintaining potted plants in an aquarium

Maintaining the potted plants in a tank is almost similar to maintaining substrate plants. However, it is important that the substrate in the pot is suitable for the plant. Besides maintaining the temperature and other water parameters, you need to take care of certain things specifically as jotted below-

1. Pot Condition

The pot should be such that it allows water to circulate freely through the roots. Too dense or sealed pots will restrict the plant’s growth, especially the roots. Secondly, the pot must have proper drainage holes to allow water to flow through the substrate, preventing root rot from stagnant water.

2. Fertilizers

Since potted plants are growing in a limited root space, you may need to add root tabs in the pot’s substrate to allow essential nutrients reach the plant. If it seems difficult, simply add liquid fertilizers. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to algae blooms or poor water quality.

3. Position

It is essential that you place the pots where they get proper light. Also, do not place them in direct flow from the filter, as this can disrupt the plant roots or wash away nutrients too quickly. Make sure not to overcrowd the tank with potted plants.

Likewise, creating a balanced layout is also essential to achieve the best aquascape. You may consider layering the plants according to their height. Taller plants may take the back place while the shorter ones may be positioned in the front. This not only helps with aesthetic design but also ensures that all plants get adequate light and space.

Conclusion

So, the quick answer to, ‘can aquarium plants stay in pots’ is yes. They can definitely stay in pots inside the aquarium when you ensure that everything aligns with the plant’s growth. Removing the rock wool and ensuring proper water circulation is extremely important in the potted plant. At the same time, supplying fertilizers either through root tabs or water column is also essential.