20 Gallon Tank Amazon sword not rooting in

[airfix2]

i got an amazon sword a few weeks back, i snipped its roots to about 1cm before putting it in the substrate, i also put a root tab under it. However, the amazon sword is STILL not rooted in, and appears to be dying. I have no idea what i am doing wrong.

 

[MSande0822]

Is there a reason why you snipped the roots?

 

[airfix2]

i saw a video that said you should do it so that the roots can grow into the substrate or something.

 

[MSande0822]

i saw a video that said you should do it so that the roots can grow into the substrate or something.

Amazon swords take in a LOT of nutrients. If you snipped the roots that small without pruning the actual plant, chances are, the plant at the size it is cannot draw in the necessary amount of nutrients to maintain the size and support continued growth. I'd prune the sword small to be able to be supported by the small roots, and hope for the best with root tabs.

 

[airfix2]

ok thank you.

 

[Fishfur]

I have decent success with most swords if I remove all but the 2-3 newest leaves (the ones in the middle) and trim off all rotted or mushy roots but I am careful to leave all firm healthy roots untouched.

They take some time to grow enough healthy roots to stay anchored even in sand. It can help to use a few pebbles to help hold them in place until they have enough roots to do without the help