Length of Roots exceeds Depth of Substrate

[dwalk77]

Hi,
I recently bought a Queen Sword plant, and the roots are about 4 inches long. Unfortunately, my substrate is only about 2 inches deep, so when I planted it the roots are coming upwards out of the substrate. I've posted a picture below for reference. Is this something for me to be concerned about? Do I need to add more substrate?

 

[outofwater]

This may be dumb question, but when you planted them they weren't sticking out right? I have a sword plant in sand too, about the same depth, and the root network has extended all around the tank, but haven't seen any going upwards, and the tank has been running for about 8 months now.

 

[JuiceBox52]

Just gently push the roots down in the sand and brush it over it, no need to add more

 

[dwalk77]

This may be dumb question, but when you planted them they weren't sticking out right? I have a sword plant in sand too, about the same depth, and the root network has extended all around the tank, but haven't seen any going upwards, and the tank has been running for about 8 months now.

Not a dumb question. Actually when I planted them, they naturally wanted to make a U-shape rather than dig horizontal, hence them sticking up. I didn't try to force them down.

Just gently push the roots down in the sand and brush it over it, no need to add more

Gotcha, thanks!

 

[Colin_T]

I would move the plant away from the corner by a couple of inches so it has more room for the leaves when it grows.

I would put some rocks or driftwood around the plant and build up the substrate.

You can also put the plant in a pot or plastic container, which will give you more substrate for the roots.

 

[Nuttawet]

I think it will be fine the roots comes up are good things so they can get water and air. maybe the plants want to do that.