Show me your plant growth progress pictures!

clownbaby · Monday at 01:35 AM

One of the best things about this hobby is its inherent delayed gratification. Yet, I still feel unsatisfied with the growth of my tank at the moment. So, perhaps you friends could give me some motivation! Show me progress pictures of your plant's growth. You can do as many pics as you'd like! Whether the progress is from day one vs five years in or last month vs now, whatever it may be! I would love to see it!!

I think this is also a great way to show off your tanks and recognize the change; to take a step back and feel pride. Sometimes we fishkeepers seem to always want to be better when in reality we are already doing such a great job. And, once again, I would love to see how plant growth is illustrated and how things change over time.

HelplessNewbie · Monday at 03:27 PM

Hey, I know what you're talking about. I get tired of waiting for the plants to grow, too! I sometimes keep occupied with little diy projects, but when I don't have energy for those, I do take inspiration from this forum!

Here is my 4ft 65 gallon...

Last week, Sep 2024:

First planting, March 2024:

The ludwigia and mini-bolbitis didn't make it. The val spiralis mostly away but is making a slow comeback. All the easy ones, like the anubias, java fern, pogo octopus and multiple sword types are doing pretty well. Of course, hornwort!

clownbaby · Monday at 09:45 PM

On 9/23/2024 at 8:27 AM, HelplessNewbie said:

Hey, I know what you're talking about. I get tired of waiting for the plants to grow, too! I sometimes keep occupied with little diy projects, but when I don't have energy for those, I do take inspiration from this forum!

Here is my 4ft 65 gallon...

Last week, Sep 2024:

First planting, March 2024:

The ludwigia and mini-bolbitis didn't make it. The val spiralis mostly away but is making a slow comeback. All the easy ones, like the anubias, java fern, pogo octopus and multiple sword types are doing pretty well. Of course, hornwort!

Are you running co2 ?? This is amazing growth!

HelplessNewbie · Monday at 09:48 PM

On 9/23/2024 at 5:45 PM, clownbaby said:

Are you running co2 ?? This is amazing growth!

Thank you! No co2. Just a lot of easy plants and trying to keep things (lights, water, fertilizer) stable. I figure the plants (if inclined) will adjust and that the ones that survive, I ought to get more of! I am still trying with the stem plants in the center, though.

Seattle_Aquarist · Monday at 10:27 PM

Hi @clownbaby,

I have to constantly remind myself that different plant species grow at different rates. I use that to my advantage. How? If I want a "low maintenance" tank that I won't have to spend hours pruning to look good then I plant it with Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Barclaya, Bucephalandra, and Leptochilus pteropus (java fern) species. Other tanks, where I don't mind doing the extra work of regular pruning will get stem plants such as Limnophilia, Pogostemon, Ceratopteris, Rotala, and Nymphaea / Nymphoides. Most of my tanks are a mix of slow and faster growers.

Below is a 10 gallon, medium / low light, no CO2 (but Seachem Excel) and very moderate dosing of nutrients. that I did several years ago. The substrate is Safe-t-sorb.

August 12th (6 days after planting)