Easy care plants with large leaves

[cichlidgirl22]

Four years of intense water plant culture has led me to one key takeaway: the idea that's stuck with me - the geneflake concept. It's pretty straightforward, most large-leafed aquarium plants are a breeze to care for, whereas the smaller-leafed ones can be a real challenge. I mean, think about it, swords, Java ferns, and Anubias are all relatively easy to keep. On the other hand, plants like Monte Carlo and those tiny-leafed Rotala varieties are a different story altogether - almost impossible to keep without CO2 or extremely difficult. So, my advice is simple: go for the bigger-leaved plants.

My pearlweed has a robust root system, quite the opposite experience - deep and strong roots that keep it anchored.

[TwinTankman]

Tropica's been around since 1970, started by Holger Windeløv, a fish tank hobbyist turned plant enthusiast. He's been traveling the world, exploring for new plants in places like South America and Southeast Asia, and learning from other aquarists. That's dedication.

In 2004, the company changed hands, but they've kept on growing. I've been using their fertilizers for over 20 years, and I trust their expertise. When they say a plant is easy to grow, I believe them.

Take their list of easy plants, for example. 17 types of swords, over a dozen crypts – these are plants that have been developed or "created" by Holger and Tropica. And I can vouch for the moss balls – or rather, algae balls – they're a breeze to keep. Just turn them every week, and they'll do the rest, sucking up excess nutrients like a charm.

[petal9]

I'm probably doing something wrong, but my large leaf plants seem to be a magnet for Black Beard Algae. My Zorchzon Swords are the worst - they get all strung up with it. I've been dipping them in a bleach solution to kill it off, and I've also added a CO2 bubbler, as I'm pretty sure CO2 helps keep BBA at bay.

[Lachlan]

Been out of the live plant game for ages, thinking of giving it another shot. Biggest problem I recall was those pesky plecos, always trying to make a meal out of them.

[Giggletons]

Nomaphila stricta is another great option for a large leaf plant. It's got really nice big leaves, definitely worth considering if you're looking for something easy to care for.

I've been reading about Tropica and their easy-to-grow plants, and I was wondering, is it possible to revive marimo algae balls after a year of neglect?

[adapros]

I've found that Bacopa Monnieri and Water Wisteria are pretty easy to care for, despite their varying leaf sizes. Bacopa's large leaves make it a breeze, while Water Wisteria's smaller ones still thrive under my care.

[starlord]

Bacopa's a big deal for a stem plant. I've got it and the fish leave it alone, just like they did with my old golden Bacopa. Bacopa's the Terminator of stem plants.

[starlord]

To rephrase, what's a large leafed plant that's a real challenge? Difficult to keep, you know? Most are a breeze, but I've found Tiger lotus can be quite finicky.

[starlord]

I've learned that with plants, patience is key, not that instant gratification people often expect in low-tech setups. Moving them around is a major setback, if not a death sentence. Java ferns, for example, take months to establish a root system, and only then can they start growing. Want them to fill in an area quickly? Don't buy one, buy a bunch - that's the fastest way to get the desired effect.