Bunched plants are those like elodea and milfoil that propagate by
way of cutting. You buy cuttings from your pet supplier or even big
box store. Often the bundle is attached at the bottom by a lead
sinker weight which will allow the stems to drop to the bottom. Other
times the buddle is strung together and intended to just float on the
top.
Bundles are great options for at home aquarists because the offer
an alternative to the typical plant which might just be placed in the
substrate. Many aquariums are filled with rocks and driftwood, which
will not allow for many rooted plants. They are a great alternative.
They will often move around in the tank and give a variety of
habitats for your fish. They are especially great choices for
goldfish.
Anacharis Canadensis or pondweed, sometimes called elodea is a
great choice for the beginner’s tank. It is a plant that prefers
cold water. Nevertheless it can tolerate temperatures exceeding 80
degrees F. It is long, with narrow stalks that sprout rings of thick
green leaves. It will achieve a very tall look and can be positioned
to stay in on place, weighted down or allowed to float throughout the
tank.
Although they require constant pruning because their growth is so
fast, this could work out to your advantage because new plants are
taken by cutting. Pondweed is reproduced by cutting off the lower
inch and planting the remainder firmly in the substrate. Weighting
them with lead sinkers is a must. They do not need rooting hormone
and will take up very quickly.
Another option is Foxtail or milfoil, Myriophyllum spicatum.
Although it requires stronger light (or a light kept on most of the
day) it will grow several inches in just one week. It is incredibly
beautiful, like pondweed but with more delicate, fern-like leaves. It
is one of the most commonly produced in plastic form.
Bundled plants like foxtail and pondweed require very little in
the way of nutrients or special supplies. They are two of the easiest
plants to grow and are a sheer pleasure to watch in your tank.
Although they do not disappoint they do need constant attention, in
pruning them so as to ensure you get constant growth and new free
plants.
