How to Start Aquarium Plants From Bulbs

Aquatic plants are varieties that thrive even when submersed completely in water. While most aquatic plants are inserted into aquariums when fully grown, you can also start some from bulbs. The bulbs are placed in the bottom of the aquarium just as if you were planting in soil. When planting bulbs in an aquarium, it is best to do so during the initial setup, or when the tank has been drained for cleaning.

• 1

  Fill the bottom of the aquarium tank with a two-inch layer of planting substrate intended for aquariums. This is available at aquarium stores and is different from the gravel substrate.

• 2

  Add a layer of fine, three-millimeter diameter gravel on top of the planting substrate until it is one inch thick.

• 3

  Set a small saucer upside-down in the bottom of the tank. Pour cold water on top of the saucer until the water level is two to three inches above the gravel. Remove the saucer from the bottom of the tank.

• 4

  Read the packaging for the type of bulb you are planting to determine how tall it will grow. Place taller plants in the back of the aquarium and shorter-growing plants in the front.

• 5

  Dig a hole in the gravel and substrate with your finger that is large enough to accommodate one of the bulbs. Insert the bulb pointed side up into the hole making sure that it is at least 3/4 of the way into the planting substrate.

• 6

  Repeat the process to plant any additional bulbs in the aquarium.

• 7

  Open a package of aquarium plant fertilizer tablets. Read the packaging to determine how many tablets you need for your size of aquarium. Dig a hole into the gravel and substrate using your finger and insert the tablets into the substrate.

• 8

  Continue with the setup of the aquarium as desired.