Why Is The Plant So Leggy?

If I am able to upload the picture, I could use assistance in identifying this plant. Also, any thoughts as to why its so leggy? The lower leaves are dropping off, and new roots are growing halfway up. I suppose I could trim and re-plant, but would rather learn how to grow properly. I'm not using any matrix, fertilizer, CO2 or special lights. The LFS said it would be a good beginner plant. Thanks.

smdnh said:

I'm not using any matrix, fertilizer, CO2 or special lights.

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There lies your problem.

It looks like a type of bacopa.

RadaR said:

smdnh said:

I'm not using any matrix, fertilizer, CO2 or special lights.

Click to expand...

There lies your problem.

It looks like a type of bacopa.

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So, Its not really a beginners plant, eh? Ah, well... Thanks for the info.

yep it's a bacopa. needs more light to grow more compacted.

as to beginner plants theres no such thing really. bacopa is reasonably undemanding but as with all stem plants will need more light to grow properly.

java fern or anubias will grow in low light tanks, they are very slow growers so dont need a lot of light. thats your best options to start you off in my opinion.

jimbooo said:

yep it's a bacopa. needs more light to grow more compacted.

as to beginner plants theres no such thing really. bacopa is reasonably undemanding but as with all stem plants will need more light to grow properly.

java fern or anubias will grow in low light tanks, they are very slow growers so dont need a lot of light. thats your best options to start you off in my opinion.

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Thank you!

there is one beginner plant... elodia densa (or however you spell it)

you have like a leaf of it or something and the stuff doesn't stop growing! (slightly over egsadurated but you get my drift)

however it doesn't look as good as alot of plants do.

how many watts per gallon is your light? if you know.

amazon swords, in my opinion, are easy to grow. i had one in a 5 gallon a few years ago with a UV desk light from argos over it and now it almost tanks up half a 2 foot tank!

i have used ferts once which i didnt see any difference so i stopped using it about 3 months ago. plants are still growing strong.

i have java fern too. this is almost impossible to kill lol i had one in a tunnel (out of the light) when i first started getting into fish keeping and it still lasted a few months.