Have you ever looked at the live plants in the aquarium and
pet section of your average big box store? Most, like Wal-Mart and even Pet
Smart are in awful shape. They look bruised, decayed and dead. Before putting
down your hard earned money on another plant for your tank, consider these
guidelines for choosing the optimal healthy plant to add to your aquarium.
Dividing the Roots
Although often forgotten, because they might be difficult to
see, the roots are the most important element of the live aquarium plant. Look
for a specimen that has sturdy looking roots. If the employee will allow you,
touch the roots. They should be firm and not mushy. If only a few roots are
mushy but, overall the plant is looking great you should be okay, just cut them
off when you get home with a sterile and sharp blade.
Besides the health of the roots, look for evidence of new
growth in the roots. You want to buy a live plant that is actively growing, not
one that is struggling to survive. You should see some small rootlets and roots
emerging from the massive of roots at the base. Even if you only see one or
two, that is fine, the more the better. They will often appear stubby and
pearly white in color.
Looking at the Color
The color of the plant is an easy indication of whether or
not it has received the proper nutrients and essentials in the tank at the
store. If you know what it is supposed
to look like, compare it to an example in your home tank or guide book. Most plants at big box stores are often
yellow or light green in complexion when they should be dark green. Examples
that are darker or deeper in color are often those that receive plenty of
light, good filtration and are absorbing nutrients from the substrate properly.
Inspecting the Leaves
Although it is the first thing most people look at, the
quality of the leaves is probably the least consideration because they are the
easiest to repair and grow back, even on an injured or dying plant. If all else
looks good and you are only choosing your plant based on the leaves, look most
importantly for growth on the leaves.
Many plants go through cycles and will drop their leaves or
allow them to waste away in an effort to use more energy (photosynthesis) to
create younger, stronger leaves. Sometimes these leaves are even the basis for
a whole new plant.
If you do decide to buy a plant with struggling leaves that
are heavily decayed and have an odor to them, cut them off when you get home,
using a sterile sharp instrument. They should recover just fine.
Things to Remember - Final Thoughts
Remember that in a big box store, or even pet supply store,
fish and their plants are not exactly the highest priority. You might have to
wait and wait for a long time before an employee will help you. The reality is,
money is not made here and the company hardly cares about keeping things in
good shape.
Nevertheless, you are a paying customer. Take your time to
pick out the appropriate plant for you and your aquarium. You are the one who
has to live with it and is spending the money. You should pick something that
is healthy and looks to be growing. The employee helping you might not know
much about aquarium plants, so don’t assume so. Educate yourself.
