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Red plants that can grow on rock or driftwood?

8.2K views 14 replies 9 participants last post by  victorusaconte  
#1 ·
I'm planning a new tank and really want to include a couple red plants attached to some rock or driftwood. I can't seem to find any that will do well not planted in substrate. Any recommendations?
 
#7 ·
a lot of stem plants actually do pretty well as floaters. Now they won't last long tied to a rock, that part will deteriorate and you'll have to keep trimming it and re-tying it down. I'm doing something similar right now, but in a nano so I can keep the stem to like 4 inches tall. Plus I have a rock crack to cram it into so I don't have to tie it. It looks like it's "growing" from the substrate but it never really roots.
 
#14 ·
True. All stems can be grown as floater, as they can uptake nutrients entirely from the water column without rooting. But free floating is untidy and stems need to be anchored in one place to look good. I've tried gluing, lead weight, tie wrap, and suction cup but none last long. The bottom will rot away shortly and need to be re-attached more frequently than worth the effort. Anchoring in small pots is most durable, and can be hidden behind rock and wood. But stems grow tall indefinitely and need to be topped and replanted periodically. But replanting in pots is easier and less messy than replanting in substrate.
 
#8 ·
There are limited choice of red epiphytes and forcing plants into unnatural epiphytes is not durable and requires more effort than worth it. Have you thought about securing red plants in pots and hide behind rock or crevices of driftwood. I use hydroponic pots that allow roots to grow out and the black color can easily be camouflaged.
 

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