how to plant Anacharis?

[Dollface]

I had a really long and overexplained post going, but then I realized it all pretty much boils down to this.

How should I plant Anacharis (Egeria densa) to get a thick/bushy effect in the background of a 29g tank? Should I plant the individual stems on their own or in small bunches?

Also, what would be the appropriate forum to ask wich plants would do best together in cold water/with goldfish?

[jaidexl]

General forum is best for the second question. there are specific rules for the Plant forum, which is meant to concentrate on specific aspects of a certain species, kind of what you're after but not quite within the rules, I don't think, since your question is more general.


You always want to plant stems separate, about an inch apart, to allow for light to reach the bottom and avoid base rot. Achieving a large stand or bush relies on the trimming method. Allowing the plant to grow to 50-75% max height or so, then chopping it down to about 4 inches, then allow to grow again, then chop down to 6-8 inches, etc-etc, will allow the stem to bush out as most stems can regenerate 2 or more new branches at the cut node.

That said, I've never kept anacharis/elodea in a real scape where I use pruning methods, so I'm not sure it branches the same way as ludwigia, hygrophila etc. And this pruning method doesn't work for all stems, some harder to grow species require complete removal of the lower stem/ root base and replanting of the top portion. Anacharis certainly can't be one of them since it's an invasive weed. I might keep some in an screened, outdoor bucket to grow and clip stems from it to add to the bush if it doesn't double branch at the cut node.

[jjp2]

Yes. It branches like other stems. I'll just push several into an area, let them grow and then cut. No need to pull the lower stem unless it gets real ratty looking.

[Dollface]

thanks, I was a little unsure at first about where it went so i just wanted to make sure

I've never seen anacharis produce new stems from a cut node, but i've never actually tried to grow it like that so i'll have to experiment.