Houseplant cuttings in aquarium

[Sarahboone811]

So I wanted to start growing houseplant cutting out of my aquarium and was hoping for some advice since I’ve never done it before. Any tips on how to hold/prop up the cutting so it doesn’t just sit or sink in the water? I know new plant cuttings are pretty sensitive and usually need purified water or rainwater, so is aquarium water ok for a new cutting or should I only use cuttings that are already water rooted otherwise? Are there particular houseplant cuttings that shouldn’t be put in aquariums? Are there any houseplants that could harm my African dwarf frogs or endlers if put in their tank? Anything else I should know in general? Thanks for any help!

 

[RedOnion]

So I wanted to start growing houseplant cutting out of my aquarium and was hoping for some advice since I’ve never done it before. Any tips on how to hold/prop up the cutting so it doesn’t just sit or sink in the water? I know new plant cuttings are pretty sensitive and usually need purified water or rainwater, so is aquarium water ok for a new cutting or should I only use cuttings that are already water rooted otherwise? Are there particular houseplant cuttings that shouldn’t be put in aquariums? Are there any houseplants that could harm my African dwarf frogs or endlers if put in their tank? Anything else I should know in general? Thanks for any help!

Did you want to put them in the filter? I think they would be fine if you put them in the tank water directly. All my non-aquatic plants have done well with just my tank water.

 

[StarGirl]

Did you want to put them in the filter? I think they would be fine if you put them in the tank water directly. All my non-aquatic plants have done well with just my tank water.

Are there plants you shouldnt use?

 

[RedOnion]

Are there plants you shouldnt use?

I would assume so. Theres some plants that just dont work in just water and really prefer the soil. Pothos and some others plants do just fine off of the tank waters nutrients. I have lucky bamboo in my filter and its done great compared to when it was in a pot. Some have added to their tanks Lobeilia, Pelia, and Peperomia. But they would need good sunlight to grow as well.

Sarahboone811
I actually saw a post on Reddit a while back where someone used a shower caddy that was suctioned to the inside of the tank that held their plants in. Something like this image except it had more holes on the bottom for the roots.

 

[Sauceboat]

For my cuttings I just put them in my hob filter so that the running water passes under the base, the flow prevents any fungus or mould from growing and promotes healthy root growth. I’ve rooted all sorts of plants and cuttings from this method and many of the plants (cabbage, herbs, broccoli, cauliflower) in my garden were from rooted from food scraps (stems, leaves, cores, etc.) through this method. I’ve also done a manner of houseplants and roses through this method. I think any plants should be fine as long as they don’t excessively leak sap. Even many plants poisonous to cats and dogs will be fine to grow so long as the fish aren’t eating them.

Theres some plants that just dont work in just water and really prefer the soil…need good sunlight to grow as well

This is true, if you’re going to keep plants in the filter long term instead of rooting and transplanting to soil or a garden, I would stick to plants that thrive in typical indoor conditions who don’t mind wet soil. Anything tagged as liking humidity should do well. Obviously avoid succulents and other plants that prefer dryer soils. However, with enough flow over the roots (if you use a filter instead of a hanging box) even some of these species can be managed.

 

[PNWAquatics]

I added a single cutting of Tradescantia zebrina (inch plant) and it has gone wild. I added it to the filter part of my AIO. I use pothos in another tank and have used arrowhead plant in the past with success.

 

[RedOnion]

I added a single cutting of Tradescantia zebrina (inch plant) and it has gone wild. I added it to the filter part of my AIO. I use pothos in another tank and have used arrowhead plant in the past with success. View attachment 830443

What light do they use? It looks amazing!

 

[PNWAquatics]

What light do they use? It looks amazing!

Thank you! It’s a freshwater AI prime