Preparing Bunch (Stem) Plants for the Aquarium

Preparing Bunch (or “Stem”) Plants for the Aquarium

 Another way that many plants are grown at Florida Aquatic Nurseries is as “bunch” plants.  These are plants that grow long stems that can be cut off, gathered together in bunches and sold without roots.  This is because this type of plant grows new roots very quickly and easily from each “node” (the spots on the stem where either leaves or roots (sometimes both!) grow.

 Bunch plants are sold with a weight around each bunch.  This is to keep the bunch together during shipping and in the store, and also to make it easier for the shop keeper to keep the plants upright for the short period they are in the shop.  The plants should not be planted in your tank with the weight attached, as it can rot the base of the stem and make it hard for the plant to root properly.

 When you receive your plants, gently remove the weight and discard it.  Rinse the plants gently under cool running water to remove any loose or damaged leaves. Divide the plants into groups of about three stems and plant each group separately, with an inch or two between each group.  This will allow water movement and light to reach between the stems.  It is easiest to use aquascaping pinsettes for planting stems, but if you don’t have any, you can use your fingers.  It’s just hard to be as precise.

 Some stem plants are more buoyant than others, and it can be frustrating to get them to stay down initially. Making sure that your substrate is deep enough (2-3”) will help, as will planting the stems at a slight angle.  If that isn’t enough, you can place a few small stones against the base of the stems for a week or two, until the plants have put out solid roots.  After that, there should be no further problem.