Mangrove planting question

[Maddlesrain]

I've been entertaining the idea of planting a few mangrove trees in the new tank, but am curious as to whether their roots need to be embedded in a mud substance or can simply be 'free' in the water column and have the plant be secured to rocks. Will the roots attach to the rock work?

Another side question. About how tall do these plants get? I know there are varying species. Do some stay significantly smaller, or do they all end up about the same?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Here's a great read by Julian Sprung on mangroves.

 

[rinckemd]

I planted mine 2 years ago by sticking them on the top of the rocks. Some of the roots are nickel sized. I love how they look in the tank. I've only trimmed 1 of them. I need to raise the lights soon. I'm growing roots on the left side by attaching the propagules to a stick of bamboo to hold it in place. Do not damage the roots. I broke one and it was stunted. I have some RO water in a spray bottle I rinse them with.

 

[Maddlesrain]

Here's a great read by Julian Sprung on mangroves.

Thank you for this!

I planted mine 2 years ago by sticking them on the top of the rocks. Some of the roots are nickel sized. I love how they look in the tank. I've only trimmed 1 of them. I need to raise the lights soon. I'm growing roots on the left side by attaching the propagules to a stick of bamboo to hold it in place. Do not damage the roots. I broke one and it was stunted. I have some RO water in a spray bottle I rinse them with.

Wow beautiful tank! How high are lights above the water level now?

 

[rinckemd]

Here's a video of what the roots look like now.

 

[rinckemd]

Thank you for this!



Wow beautiful tank! How high are lights above the water level now?

12in above the water right now. They'll burn if the leaves get too close.

 

[cameronh]

12in above the water right now. They'll burn if the leaves get too close.

I want one, where can I get one?

 

[rinckemd]

12in above the water right now. They'll burn if the leaves get too close.

I've been considering spot lights hanging from the wires to encourage growth up between the lights once they are up as high as I can go.

 

[rinckemd]

I want one, where can I get one?

I got mine from live-plants.com.

 

[rinckemd]

Here's a great read by Julian Sprung on mangroves.

Thanks, I'm saving this!

 

[Maddlesrain]

Here's a video of what the roots look like now.

Beautiful!! This is a perfect example of what I was picturing/ hoping for!

12in above the water right now. They'll burn if the leaves get too close.

I've been considering spot lights hanging from the wires to encourage growth up between the lights once they are up as high as I can go.

Interesting idea! I was also thinking of attempting to 'sculpt' the plants rather than having them grow straight up towards the light. I'd be interested to know how that works out for you!

 

[jsker]

Here's a great read by Julian Sprung on mangroves.

Thank you for the good reading. I have had a pod that I brought home from the beach in February that is just starting to grow roots.