Step-by-step
Step 1: Plan your aquascape firstForeground: carpets (Monte Carlo, dwarf hairgrass). Midground: crypts, anubias, java fern. Background: stems (rotala, ludwigia, vallisneria). Sketch on paper before planting.
Step 2: Prepare substrateActive substrate (ADA Aquasoil,
Fluval Stratum) for nutrient-hungry plants. Inert sand or gravel for low-tech tanks - add
Seachem Flourish Tabs every 4-6 inches under root-feeders.
Step 3: Plant epiphytes on hardscapeAnubias + java fern + bucephalandra: tie rhizome (NOT roots) to wood/rock with cotton thread. Cotton dissolves in 2-4 weeks; the plant attaches itself. Never bury the rhizome - it rots.
Step 4: Plant stems in substrateStrip leaves from bottom 1 inch of stem. Use plant tweezers to push the stem into substrate at a 30-45° angle. Plant 1-2 inch apart - leave room for them to spread.
Step 5: Plant carpet in tuftsCut Monte Carlo or dwarf hairgrass into 1-2 cm tufts. Plant each tuft 2-3 cm apart. Resist the urge to plant denser - they need room to spread + form a carpet.
Step 6: Plant rooted speciesCrypts + Amazon swords: bury crown (where leaves emerge) at substrate level. Bury roots fully but don't bury the crown - it rots if buried.
Step 7: Water carefully + dose initial fertilizerFill slowly to avoid uprooting. Add bottle of liquid fertilizer (
Seachem Flourish Comprehensive) at half dose for the first week. Plants are stressed from transplant.
Step 8: Start CO2 + lights low for first weekHigh light too soon = algae. Start at 6 hours photoperiod, ramp up by 30 minutes per week to target. CO2 + ferts at full dose.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need substrate for aquarium plants?
Root-feeders (Amazon sword, crypts, vallisneria) need substrate. Epiphytes (anubias, java fern, mosses) attach to hardscape and don't use substrate.
Can I plant aquarium plants in regular gravel?
Yes for low-tech setups. Add root tabs every 4-6 inches under root-feeders to compensate for inert gravel.
Why do my new plants melt or die?
Most plants are grown emersed (above water) and "melt" their old leaves when transplanted underwater. New submerged leaves grow within 4-6 weeks. Don't pull dead leaves - the plant is reusing nutrients.