planting balansae

[JazzyJeff]

I managed to get some very nice balansae plants from Alanmin - these plants have LOADS of roots and beautiful long leaves. What is the best way to plant these? Do I just shove them in and cross my fingers... or do I need to trim roots/leaves first?

I am also planting some other crypts also, I have been reading in lots of places about crypts melting shortly after planting, Is there anything I can be doing to prevent this?

I am planting wendtii, petchii, undulata, parvifloris tropica also - any advice greatfully accepted.

Thanks

JJ

[alanmin4304]

Parviflorus tropica is an Echinodorus, will grow slowly and stay relatively small. The crypts I would just plant as is. There were some small pups on the balansae which should produce shortly.

[JazzyJeff]

Parviflorus tropica is an Echinodorus, will grow slowly and stay relatively small. The crypts I would just plant as is. There were some small pups on the balansae which should produce shortly.

Thanks Alan - I was hoping I didn't need to cut all the leaves off (that wld be such a shame!) I am going to have a play with it tomorrow - think I need more plants yet tho - would like to produce something like this...

viewtopic.php?f=29&t=49214

[alanmin4304]

The crypts might do a melt but yours are the hardier varieties mainly. If they do melt just remove the leaves and wait for the new growth. Chances are you will get away with planting them as is.

[peet]

I've kept balansae before on a high iron clay sub-base with gravel topping and they grew like wildfire. The definately don't like the transplant and the long leaves get mushy and tranclucent but be patient. You only need a few long leaves to come out and it looks very dramatic.