The classification of aquarium plants can be done following several criteria, some are quite strange, and others are very useful to determine which family the plants belong to.
The important thing, for those of us who take care of aquariums, is to be able to classify aquarium plants following a useful and logical order, regardless of whether it is more or less academic.
For example, we could use a classification that differentiates aquarium plants into:
- Tropical plants
- Cold water plants
- Floating plants and
- Submerged plants
It would have some logic, because tropical plants would all be in the same group, but a problem may arise, that we find floating and submerged tropical plants , with which this classification of aquarium plants has certain gaps.
I have looked for a classification, which without being totally «orthodox», I think it can perfectly serve to make a coherent classification of aquarium plants.
Stem plants
Stem plants, as their classification is already indicating, are plants with large stems and good proportions , so they are usually placed at the back of the aquarium.
Their growth is generous and they tend to take root very well, although their roots are, in most cases, just a way for the plant to anchor itself to the bottom, because most of the nutrients are obtained through its leaves.
Care and advice
Some of these plants can reach up to 50 centimeters high, some with a good perimeter around.
There are some tips to keep in mind to get the best performance:
- The plants should be planted in odd numbers, to give a greater feeling of naturalness: 1-3-5 …
- The stem plants have to be buried at an adequate depth , so that the root system grows, and that the burrowing fish cannot lift their roots.
- Caution must be taken to keep enough distance between plants, so that they do not compete for nutrients, or for the light of the aquarium.
- Like garden plants, aquarium plants need to be pruned. When we estimate that the growth is excessive, we can cut above a layer.
- The part of the plant originating from pruning can be placed at the bottom of the aquarium, waiting for it to take root, always keeping in mind to keep the necessary distances.
Proceeding in this way, a very lush and healthy aquarium will be displayed.
Root plants
Aquarium root plants have a well-developed root system , since they obtain all their nutrients through their roots.
Obviously, they need a well-enriched soil based on clay pellets, or compost in pills.
They are easily multiplied, usually by division of the plants.
Care and advice
Root plants must be purchased in pots. Before proceeding to its location in the aquarium, it is a good idea to press its roots, to let the substrate loose , and if we see that the roots grow outside the pot, we will proceed to cut them a little.
It is important that the roots are well buried.
They are not usually pruned, except to eliminate the leaves that are observed are deteriorated , we will also keep this in mind before sowing them for the first time.
Bulb plants
In the garden many bulb plants are planted that you will easily recognize: hyacinths, gladioli, tulips …
The bulb plants in the aquarium are exactly the same and have similar vegetative processes.
Care and advice
To plant water bulbs, it is necessary to lower the temperature of the water so that the bulb goes into torpor (like tulips, gladioli…). In this state, the bulbs are kept in damp sand.
Once it is time to sow them, we will be careful not to completely bury the bulb, leaving a part that protrudes.
I hope this classification of aquarium plants is of use to you.
