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How to Plant Aquarium Plants Properly in Gravel or Soil

Starting a planted aquarium is super exciting, but one common question we get is: “How do I plant aquarium plants properly in gravel or soil?”



Why Planting the Right Way Matters 

If you just drop plants into the tank without thinking, they might:

❌ Float away

❌ Rot or melt

❌ Not grow at all!

Planting correctly ensures your plants anchor well, absorb nutrients, and thrive in your aquarium.


Step-by-Step: How to Plant Aquarium Plants in Gravel 

1. Choose the Right Plants

Not all plants grow well in gravel. Go for plants that can handle gravel substrate like:

  • Amazon Sword

  • Java Fern (on driftwood)

  • Cryptocoryne

  • Anubias (on rocks or driftwood)

  • Vallisneria


2. Add Root Tabs

Gravel doesn’t contain nutrients, so if you’re planting root feeders, add root tabs under the plant roots. This gives them food to grow.


3. Plant Gently

Use tweezers or your fingers to dig a small hole in the gravel. Place the plant's roots into the hole, then gently cover the roots with gravel.

🚫 Don’t bury the plant's crown (base of the stem) – It can rot!


4. Anchor Floating Plants

If the plant keeps floating, you can:

  • Place a small stone near the base

  • Use plant weights (available at aquarium shops)


Step-by-Step: How to Plant Aquarium Plants in Soil (Aquasoil) 

Soil-based substrates are nutrient-rich, which makes them great for plants.

1. Choose Any Root-Feeding Plant

Aquasoil is good for almost all plants:

  • Dwarf Hairgrass

  • Swords, Crypts, Vallisneria

  • Stem plants like Ludwigia and Rotala


2. Trim & Prep the Plant

Before planting:

  • Trim dead leaves or damaged roots

  • Cut long roots slightly so they grow fresh ones faster


3. Plant with Tweezers

Use aquascaping tweezers to insert the plant into the soil at a slight angle. This helps the roots anchor better.

  • Plant carpeting plants (like Monte Carlo or HC Cuba) in small clumps, spaced out to help them spread faster.


4. Add Water Slowly

When filling your tank, pour water gently over a plate or plastic sheet. This keeps your plants from being uprooted or soil from clouding the water.


Pro Tips for Both Gravel & Soil Tanks 

  • Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between plants so they can grow.

  • Use proper lighting – Most aquarium plants need 6–8 hours of light daily.

  • Use fertilizers – Liquid ferts for stem/floating plants, root tabs for gravel.

  • Add CO₂ (optional) – Speeds up growth for demanding plants.

  • Do regular maintenance – Trim dead leaves and clean up algae.


Common Mistakes to Avoid! 

  1. Burying the crown of the plant – Causes rot.

  2. Planting too deep or too shallow – Roots should be covered, not the leaves.

  3. Using beach sand or sharp gravel – Can damage roots or affect water chemistry.

  4. Not adding root tabs in gravel setups – Plants will starve!


Planting aquarium plants the right way helps them grow healthy, stay green, and make your tank look stunning! Whether you're using gravel or nutrient-rich soil, just follow these easy steps, and your tank will be full of life in no time.

Best for low-maintenance setups? → Java Fern & Anubias in gravel.

Want lush growth? → Go with Aquasoil and root feeders like Amazon Swords.


 
 
 

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