I got a pothos from lowes... Can I plant it on my aquarium if i just rinse it well?

[Rocky998]

So I was at lowes and got a pothos plant, but thne later I thought: "Wait, do they use pesticides on them and would I ever be able to actually plant this on my aquarium?"
With the roots touching the water and the risk of toxins leaching out, I really want to be absolutely sure...
Would a good soak in unconditioned water and good rinse be enough, or should I not use it at all?
I REALLY want to use it! It's a beautiful plant!

 

[JuiceBox52]

Most ichthyologists recommend to stay away from pothos and other similar plants in aquariums, because the fish will nibble at the roots and the roots are toxic.

 

[Rocky998]

Most ichthyologists recommend to stay away from pothos and other similar plants in aquariums, because the fish will nibble at the roots and the roots are toxic.

I've read everywhere that pothos plants are amazing in aquariums cause fish don't nibble at the roots and they aren't toxic...

 

[Rocky998]

I've read everywhere that pothos plants are amazing in aquariums cause fish don't nibble at the roots and they aren't toxic...

Just looked it up again. And yah, it's totally safe... It's only the stems and leaves that are a bit toxic. But those don't touch the water anyways

 

[Sgooosh]

I've read everywhere that pothos plants are amazing in aquariums cause fish don't nibble at the roots and they aren't toxic...

i think you should take a cutting and let it root instead of risking bacteria/fungus from the soil polluting your tank.
edit: only the leaves are poisonous
"The roots of pothos plants are not poisonous to fish and other aquarium critters. However, the leaves and stems of this plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. "

 

[Rocky998]

i think you should take a cutting and let it root instead of risking bacteria/fungus from the soil polluting your tank

What I'd do is rinse all the soil off of the plant and separate all the plants in the pot as well. Then take one of the plants and rinse it very thoroughly and then "plant" it on the tank...
I'd take multiple plants from the pot to plant them

 

[Rocky998]

The roots of pothos plants are not poisonous to fish and other aquarium critters. However, the leaves and stems of this plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. "

Yup! That's exactly what I was reading elsewhere.
It's totally fine as long as it's only the roots in the water

 

[Sgooosh]

What I'd do is rinse all the soil off of the plant and separate all the plants in the pot as well. Then take one of the plants and rinse it very thoroughly and then "plant" it on the tank...
I'd take multiple plants from the pot to plant them

the ground roots might rot in the water, so i still think the cutting is a better option. you can try this though. i think it won't hurt. maybe do a bleach dip as well

 

[Rocky998]

the ground roots might rot in the water, so i still think the cutting is a better option. you can try this though. i think it won't hurt. maybe do a bleach dip as well

Ok... Maybe I should look at how to do a cutting then...
Also, what's the bleach to water ratio I should use for it?

 

[Rocky998]

I took pics when I was at the store... Here's the plant:

 

[Rocky998]

I think I'll do cuttings... But I'm still worried about any chemicals that may have been used... Should I be concerned or do I just give it a good thorough rinse?

 

[Sgooosh]

Ok... Maybe I should look at how to do a cutting then...
Also, what's the bleach to water ratio I should use for it?

I took pics when I was at the store... Here's the plant:
View attachment 317167View attachment 317168

6 Easy Steps to Bleach Dip Aquarium Plants

Written by: Bryson and Team Buce Plant There are reasons why many of us aquarists choose to buy tissue culture plants: no snails, no algae, an abundance of healthy plants. However, buying tissue culture plants every time isn't a luxury that everyone can afford. Lead bunch or potted plants...

buceplant.com

the plant looks like it has some long strands that could be nice cuttings

I think I'll do cuttings... But I'm still worried about any chemicals that may have been used... Should I be concerned or do I just give it a good thorough rinse?

i'd still give the leaves a rinse, as it does come from a big box store.

 

[Rocky998]

6 Easy Steps to Bleach Dip Aquarium Plants

Written by: Bryson and Team Buce Plant There are reasons why many of us aquarists choose to buy tissue culture plants: no snails, no algae, an abundance of healthy plants. However, buying tissue culture plants every time isn't a luxury that everyone can afford. Lead bunch or potted plants...

buceplant.com

That was a very informative read!! Thank you!! I definitely might use this for plants I recieve. (I may just test it on one or two before doing all my plants in that mixture).

@Byron, I know you have a more scientific outlook on things... What do you think about this guide?

the plant looks like it has some long strands that could be nice cuttings

Yah, it does have some good nodes for cutting...

i'd still give the leaves a rinse, as it does come from a big box store.

Yah... Completely agree! I'm more worried about any chemicals leaching out into the tank though...

 

[AquaBarb]

So I was at lowes and got a pothos plant, but thne later I thought: "Wait, do they use pesticides on them and would I ever be able to actually plant this on my aquarium?"
With the roots touching the water and the risk of toxins leaching out, I really want to be absolutely sure...
Would a good soak in unconditioned water and good rinse be enough, or should I not use it at all?
I REALLY want to use it! It's a beautiful plant!

I dont have vast experience with terrestrial plants but ive got into them this last year and ive had no issues.

The roots arent poisonous to fish and are brilliant for natural filtration and provide security for smaller species

Ive had my pothos in just over a year now and it come as a stem cutting which i just rinsed and put in my tank to root and take off.

My fern, palm, lily and monstera come planted in soil which i removed and give a really good rinse before placing in my Central amercian tank. Ive had these in my tank for 2 or 3 months with no issues so far

 

[GaryE]

I've used pothos for 20 years or so, and never a problem. They don't always transition to water living, and they need sunlight via a window. I have often had fish lay eggs in the roots, and the fry have hatched and grown.
I would not use bleach. They aren't aquatic plants. Your issue is biocides on the leaves, and bleach is one of those. Bleach dips are used for parasites, insect larvae and other AQUATIC hitchhikers. Rinse the leaves well with lukewarm spray or a garden hose. Remove all dirt.

I would consider trimming the roots to about 4-6 inches, if they really trail. The plant will have to change its root structure gradually.

I have a Pothos variety about three feet from a window, and it's double the length now of one I started at the same time 8 feet away.