I just thought I would put this out there. One more than one occasion and in different substrates and even in tanks at full throttle(with re: to c02 30 ppm, EI fertilization, and adequate lighting), I have noticed stem rot. This is where, a plant(ambulia, Bacopa monnieri, Ludwiga Repens, Rotala Indica, etc.,) should form roots and root into the substrate, but instead of rooting the stem turns brown rots, causing the stemmed plant to dislodge from the substrate and float to the top. At first, I thought that this was more due to the substrate, but I found that it even happens with stem plants put in Aquasoil, but not to such a large extent as with other substrates.

Any thoughts on what gives rise to this and how to prevent it. Is there a specific nutrient deficiency that causes this phenomena and if so, what might that be? I know that compariing terrestrial plants with aquarium plants is like comparing apples and oranges. Sometimes with rooting terrestrial plants, the stems are soaked in a special liquid fert before planting to promote rooting and enhance nutrient uptake. Is it possible to create such a soak or dip for such stem plants to stimulate vigorous roots before planting into the substrate. Thanks

I would ***LOVE*** to know what causes this stem rot phenomenum that you speak of!! I too am having the exact same problem and am banging my head really hard against the wall trying to solve it!!!!

If somebody can tell me what causes this problem and how to solve it I'd be willing to pay a cash reward!!!!!!!!!!

Any ideas??????????

Scott.

I've seen this question posted before and don't recall seeing any of the "big guns" reply. I too have experienced this when I cut the tops off of some plants and re-plant them and I have two theories that may occurr separately or be combined to cause the issue:
1. The stem is damaged during the cutting/replanting stage e.g. use sharp scissors (no pinching) to cut the stems of larger diameter stem plants and dont crush the stem when you re-plant the top.
2. Make sure the substrate isn't stagnant in the spot the new plant is placed. (aerate the substrate with fingers prior to planting)

Theories only, I have no cause-effect data to back this up.

Aaron

I have heard that floating the plant and allowing it to develop roots on it's own, then planting it once there are roots there, will solve this problem.

What I have observed is that if the conditions are such that stem plants will grow rapidly, there is no stem rot. But, if anything is off so that they will not grow rapidly, you do get stem rot. Like all generalizations, this one breaks down for certain plants for certain people. Some stem plants refuse to grow for me no matter what I do. I solve that problem by growing other stem plants. Fortunately there are many, many to choose from.

I live close to Chicago and I started having problems with stem rot after mixing my tap water with RO - 50/50. I had trouble especially with Myriophyllum tuberculatum. Tom's advice was to add 1 tsp of MgSo4 to 500ML of TMG. So far so good.

Could it be related to macros, i.e. insufficient (or too much) nitrogen, phosphorous or potasium?