Planting depth

[naughtymoose]

I have a small planted tank growing-on some plants for my 240L project.

Approx 25mm pond compost with approx 20mm play sand on top.

How deep should plants be planted? should the roots be down to the soil to start? Or just in to the sand?

 

[Mick.Dk]

Just make sure, the roots are covered and the plant has a firm hold. The roots will start to grow allmost immidiately - and they know very well where to go (=Downwards to substrate and food) 🙂

 

[naughtymoose]

Thanks Mick. Makes sense! My concern was that I might not be planting deep enough, and should think of the sand as a sort of 'mulch' as in terrestrial planting.

 

[Mick.Dk]

I allways worry a little when "sand" is mentioned !!!
It's important to ensure a good flow in the matetial used - plant roots need flow, too - so grainsize really shouldn't be too small. This will make the "sand" pack too tight, making flow impossible.
Personally I would not use grainsize much below 1 mm.

 

[naughtymoose]

That makes sense too Mick. In my 240L project I'm going to use Tesco's cat litter over the pond soil (the soil is festering away in the spare room, in tubs of water).

There will be some sand, but only as a sort of beach for my little corries.

 

[Mick.Dk]

This "beach"-use is exactly what you see the advanced scapers do. Places with no plants (usually front of hardscape).
- have fun with your 240 l. project

 

[naughtymoose]

Oooh. I don't want to run before I can crawl!