I recently pulled out some of my rotala occultiflora (similar to mexicana) and found that it wasn't sending any roots which would be why it's not doing so well. Does this sound like there's not enough nutrient in the substrate?
I have 4xHOT5 over a 125 G 4ft, pressurized co2 4dkh drop checker which ranges from green to yellow, light is approx 28" from substrate.
Sometimes the very bottom of my various stems will die and the cutting won't do well. If I recut a small piece off the bottom and expose the nice, healthy part, the plant usually takes off and does great.
Make sure you cut between the nodes. If you cut through the node, you'll likely kill the meristem. Make sure also that you don't crush the meristem when you insert the plants into the substrate or it will rot. These are the 2 most common things I've seen that hinder root formation.
Are you using ferts ? My rotolas rooted fairly quickly in a similar set up as yours (smaller tank). I use rootmedic liquid 5x a week. Keeps it nice and simple. Plus my plants love it. Root tabs also are good for getting new plants to root.
Hello Methodman. The plant problem may be as easy as replacing a light. If your current light is more than 6 months old, it may be worth replacing. Lights can dim over time. Next time get a 6,500 K light and possibly add a good liquid fert like "Plantgro" from Nutrafin. I'm no expert, but my plants seem to do well under the above conditions.
plantgro is crap and for a 125 gallon tank it would cost a lot to keep it fertilized right.
bbradbury, look into ei dosing. or any type of dosing with dry ferts. you'll save yourself a ton of money and your plants will appreciate it
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