Not Truly Aquatic Plants-names

It seems that there are a number of plants sold in chain stores for the aquarium, that are not truly aquatic.

I thought that it might be nice if we pooled our experience with some of these, and put together a list

Sort of a buyer beware type thing. Please join me in this, so that those of us who are new to plants can make informed decisions on our plant choices.

I know that I have personally been sold two plants that are not aquatic:


Mondo grass- makes a great border for your flower bed, but rots within a few months underwater

I don't have a pic here, as I was warned before it was established, and was able to return it- it grows about 3-4inches, with tops curling down in an appealing look


Brazilian sword- better known as Peace Lily, and can be grown with roots submerged, but eventually needs to reach air. It's fine for a terrarium, and is naturally a bog plant.

 

I got an Asian water fern in a petco tube. Not truly aquatic. It started turning white and had a lot of dark spots.

I think I may also have some mondo grass, but I'm not sure. It's new and I got it out of the plant tank. I think it was in there for a while, that tank was a jungle. So I'm giving it a try. I can't remember what the tag said, but I can't find anything similar online.

If the tube says semi-aquatic (in small print) don't put it in your aquarium.

Also, the tube plants have been grown emerged, so the leaves may not grow in your aquarium, but the plant should produce more leaves fairly quickly. Every sword I've gotten in the tube have done this. Don't pay extra for the big plants.

 

Great topic! I can add a few.

Ribbon plant/white ribbon plant (dracaena sanderiana) can be grown with roots in water, not aquatic:



Lucky bamboo (dracaena braunii) can be grown with roots in water, not aquatic:

 

I will add, after my stint with my non aquatic tube plant, I noticed the petco tube tags are red if they are "semi-aquatic", and it is stated on the packaging. Petsmart aren't red, but also say semi-aquatic on the tube. Just a tip.

 

Thanks

I always buy from the plant tanks, but this will help online buyers

 

I've come to prefect the plant tanks too. I scored 3 huge Anubias recently!

 

Purple waffle has tricked many people. Unfortunately not aquatic!

 

Good article here may be of interest
21 plants to avoid in the aquarium