Rhizomes ... Can Someone Please Explain?

New to the planted tank, but already in love! I have learned quite a bit through YouTube, Google and Trial and Error but would love for someone to explain in more detail about Rhizomes. I know that you are not supposed to bury the rhizome but what exactly is a rhizome? LOST!

 

Its the large, green horizontal stem that all the leaves come from. Look up pictures of anubias, that's a good example.

 

Let's see if I can explain it. It is fleshy part of a plant that kind of resembles a stem, except it will grow horizontally. It is normally green in a healthy plant. From this "stem" leaves will grow up and roots will grow down. They can be hard to locate at times if there's a lot of leaves and roots on the plant, but some careful looking and maybe separating the individual plants if there's more than one can help. The rhizome will die if planted. It is best to attach plants with rhizomes to wood, small rocks etc. They can be tied or even super glued in place. Java fern is a great example of a plant with a rhizome.

 

Its the large, green horizontal stem that all the leaves come from. Look up pictures of anubias, that's a good example.

I will, Thank you

 

Let's see if I can explain it. It is fleshy part of a plant that kind of resembles a stem, except it will grow horizontally. It is normally green in a healthy plant. From this "stem" leaves will grow up and roots will grow down. They can be hard to locate at times if there's a lot of leaves and roots on the plant, but some careful looking and maybe separating the individual plants if there's more than one can help. The rhizome will die if planted. It is best to attach plants with rhizomes to wood, small rocks etc. They can be tied or even super glued in place. Java fern is a great example of a plant with a rhizome.

I do have Java Fern attached to a BonsaI driftwood tree in my tank. Did so with fishing line and a little to much super glue, lol. It's doing great. So do the roots not need to be in soil at all? Or is that plant specific?

 

Ok, so, I've only been on this site for a few hours (at most), and I'm already getting great feed back! Thank You, You guys / gals are awesome! I think this forum is going to be a great resource.

 

Plants like anubias, java fern and buce don’t need to be buried. It will not hurt them as long as it’s only the roots.

 

Plants like anubias, java fern and buce don’t need to be buried. It will not hurt them as long as it’s only the roots.

Great! Thanks for the info.

 

I do have Java Fern attached to a BonsaI driftwood tree in my tank. Did so with fishing line and a little to much super glue, lol. It's doing great. So do the roots not need to be in soil at all? Or is that plant specific?

In time the roots will grow into the substrate on their own, in the meantime they will attach to whatever they're tied to. Sometimes I tuck these plants in rocks with holes or into crack or nooks in the driftwood. I had Anubias nana petite that I stuck into holes on Texas Holy Rock. It was there for ages but the roots never attached to that rock. Occasionally a new plant would break free and I'd stick it in another hole. Don't know why they never rooted to that rock!!! Lol

 

In time the roots will grow into the substrate on their own, in the meantime they will attach to whatever they're tied to. Sometimes I tuck these plants in rocks with holes or into crack or nooks in the driftwood. I had Anubias nana petite that I stuck into holes on Texas Holy Rock. It was there for ages but the roots never attached to that rock. Occasionally a new plant would break free and I'd stick it in another hole. Don't know why they never rooted to that rock!!! Lol

That's good to know, thanks

 

That's good to know, thanks

You're very welcome! Good luck!