How do I store my plants prior to planting?Updated 2 months ago
I'm not ready to plant my plants. How can I hold aquarium and terrarium plants before planting? How do I store my plants properly before adding them to my tank?
So, you've received your plants, but you're not quite ready to add them to your tank—no worries! Proper short-term care will keep them healthy until you're ready to plant. Follow these guidelines based on the type of plants you have:
- Tissue Culture Plants
Tissue culture plants come packaged in a plastic cup with a sterile nutrient gel and should remain sealed in their cups until you are ready to plant.
Store the cups in a cool, well-lit area away from direct sunlight. If they are kept in stable conditions, they can last for 1-3 weeks in their containers. Just be sure to avoid extreme heat or cold, as temperature fluctuations can cause them to deteriorate. Do not put your plants in the refrigerator.
If you need to keep them for longer, open the cup and rinse off the gel, then place them in a container of dechlorinated water, either submerged or floating. Provide around ~8 hours of LED light daily, and if you’re not using a filter or air stone, be sure to change the water frequently to maintain water quality.
- Bunched & Potted Aquarium Plants, Loose Buce, and Moss
If you need to hold aquarium plants for a short time, take them out of their plastic packaging and place them in a container of dechlorinated water, either submerged or floating. Provide around ~8 hours of LED light daily, and if you’re not using a filter or air stone, be sure to change the water frequently to maintain water quality.
- Potted & Loose Terrarium Plants
If you need to hold aquarium plants for a short time, take them out of their plastic packaging. If potted, keep the plant in its pot. Terrarium plants should be kept in a humid environment with moderate LED light. You can place them inside a plastic container with a loose-fitting lid or in a terrarium setup to maintain humidity.
Do not close the container completely or keep plants in an air-tight environment as poor air exchange can cause melt or mold. Mist them occasionally to keep them from drying out. Be sure to avoid extreme heat or cold, as temperature fluctuations can cause them to deteriorate. These plants can last several days to weeks, depending on the species and care conditions.
Final Tips
- Check plants regularly for signs of melting or drying out.
- Do not place plants in direct sunlight, as this can cause excessive heat buildup and stress the plants.
- Do not place plants in the refrigerator. Exposure to cold conditions can lead to melting or death. Instead, keep them in a container of dechlorinated water at room temperature with moderate lighting to maintain their health until you're ready to plant them.
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