Do i need to take potted plants out of the pots in a freshwater aquarium?

all 4 of my plants are in pots....black plastic pots with what looks like moss packed in with them.



Should i take them out so they can root.



2 are Crinum's and the other 2 may or may not even be aquarium plants...the look like small elephant ear plants or arrowheads.

Do i need to take potted plants out of the pots in a freshwater aquarium?
Yes, you should take them out of the pots. You CAN leave them in there and they will survive, but for them to develop healthy root systems, they need to be in open gravel.

Just be careful when removing the moss-like stuff, or you can damage the roots. Then bury the roots into the gravel. You can also get fertilizer tabs to stick under the plants (within the gravel) that will encourage their growth.



Could the other plant be a Red Tiger Lily? Otherwise, try to take a picture, as many plants could go by that definition :)
Reply:That would depend on your tank and your maintenance.



I leave mine in pots for easier care, plus, I can move them to the outside ponds in the summer to give them a boost. (in a slightly larger pot)



Another reason I leave them in the pots, I control their growth. Every other water change I remove the potted plants. I pull them from the containers and trim the dead or dying roots, if need be, any poor formed leaves and fertalize OUT SIDE the tank. Many professional aquarist prefer to leave them potted so they can also be moved around the tank. Just because you like a plant in one spot doesn't mean they do.



Another reason, when cleaning the tank, it makes it much easier to siphone. Many water plants do not send out runners. So binding the roots is not an issue.



It is a matter of preference however. I choose to control the growth of my plants so I keep them in pots. Either way it is more of a what do you want to do with the plants.



your arrow heads are pond plants and will quickly grow out of control and above the waters surface and then some. Keeping that one planted and roots trimmed.
Reply:yes!
Reply:i have personally bought potted plants for my aquariums, and for most of them i would suggest taking them out of the pots. this is especially a good idea if the pot contains more than one plant, because keeping them potted and squished together can cause overcrowding and doesn't allow all the plants to soak up nutrients. the only time i would leave the potted plants alone is if they have hardly any roots and need the pot as a base for support so they don't float away. also removing to pot usually looks more aesthetically appealing.