[Iann_is]

Achieving good results with Tropica plants
Most Tropica aquarium plants are sold in plastic pots containing mineral wool. This protects the plants and gives the roots ideal growing conditions from the time the first tiny cutting is planted until the plant reaches its final home. Only then should the pot and mineral wool be removed.

The plastic pot is easy to remove by squeezing it as shown in the illustration. The roots can then be loosened carefully from the mineral wool, which should be removed carefully. Once released the roots should be spread out and pressed firmly into the bottom layer of the aquarium.

If the roots are so long that they cannot be spread sufficiently, they can be shortened using a knife or scissors. It is important to take care when spreading the root network, because roots planted in a lump will rot more easily.

Small, compact plants such as Lilaeopsis are sometimes difficult to plant if all the mineral wool is removed. In such cases it is sufficient to remove the mineral wool at the bottom and plant the rest with the roots in the bottom layer of the aquarium.

Before planting it is a good idea to remove the oldest leaves. This makes the plant look more attractive, and the new plant will grow new leaves anyway as it adjusts to the water and light conditions in t