How to Care for Aquarium Plants

Freshwater aquarium plants need as much care and maintenance as the fish that are in the tank. The growth and well-being of your aquatic plants will depend on your attention to their nutrition and environmental needs. Here’s how to care for them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aquatic Plant Fertilizers

Do Regular Check-ups

1. Trim or prune dead or damaged leaves and branches.

2. Propagate by cutting or separating new growth.

3. Remove snails that could quickly multiply and feast on your foliage.

Perform Regular Water Changes

4. 
   Water change.

   Schedule a weekly change of about 20 percent of the water volume.

5. De-chlorinate and check the temperature of the new water before introducing it into the tank.

6. Consider adding fertilizer to the water if appropriate.

Fertilize

7. Choose aquatic plant fertilizers that are rich in nutrients like iron and potassium. They are available as pellets and in liquid form.

8. Follow the product instructions on the quantity, schedule and manner of applying these fertilizers.

9. Consider acquiring substrates that are mixed with laterite clay, which is specifically beneficial for tank vegetation.

Tips & Warnings

• Some serious aquatic plant enthusiasts introduce CO2 into the tank to boost the plant systems. Inquire from your vendor about this option.
• When using water conditioners and anti-chlorine treatments, never pour them directly on the plants.

Resources

• Aquarium Garden
• Freshwater Aquarium Plants
• RightPet: Fish