Planting El Nino ferns in an aquarium is straightforward, focusing on securing the plant without burying its rhizome in the substrate.
El Nino ferns, like many epiphytic aquarium plants, prefer to have their rhizome (the horizontal stem from which roots and leaves grow) exposed to the water column rather than buried in the aquarium substrate. Burying the rhizome can cause it to rot.
Preferred Planting Methods
Based on successful practices, here are the primary ways to plant El Nino ferns:
- Placing on Substrate: Simply position the fern directly on top of the substrate in your aquarium. The roots will naturally grow down into the substrate over time.
- Attaching to Decor: A very common and effective method is to attach the fern to a piece of rock or driftwood. This mimics how epiphytic plants grow in nature.
- Attachment Materials: You can use materials like thread, plant glue specifically designed for aquariums, or fishing line to secure the fern to the decor initially.
- Natural Attachment: The plant's roots will eventually grow and take hold around the decor. Once the roots are firmly attached, you can safely remove the thread or fishing line if desired, as the plant will stay in place on its own.
Using these methods ensures the rhizome remains exposed, promoting healthy growth and preventing potential rot issues.
