Planting Potted Plants

[Shuggie]

Hello,
I often buy potted plants and before planting them i remove them from the plastic pots. The plants base are usually surrounded by a grey foamy thing, is it best to remove this before planting or to keep it on for a while before removing? The problem is my kribs have a habit of shifting my sand substrate around and often uncover the fomy stuff which doesnt help the natural look of my tank.


Thanks

Shuggie.

 

[karlp]

I would try to remove the wool stuff around the roots if you can. It has to be done very carefully though not to damage the roots. Once they're free, trim the roots with sharp scissors to about an inch and then plant.

 

[Shuggie]

ok cheers, ill give it a go

 

[jimbooo]

yep remove it.

you'll find it's actually wrapped around the roots so you can almose unravel it. rather than damaging the roots get the stubborn bits out by putting under a fast running tap.

the wool is soaked in nutrients and very high in iron. leaving it in the tank can throw your readings a bit if your trying to closly monitor your nutrient levels.

it'll also eventually rot sending your phosphate levels up.