Do plant roots need to be above the substrate?

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I just planted Anubias and Lacy Java fern in the substrate, then I stumbled upon this conversation - lol. I did a 50% water change and vacuumed out the poop and gunk from the rocks yesterday. I'm working with a small 10-gallon setup, so space is limited for adding objects to tie the plants to. Would it be okay to tie them to individual small sterilized rocks?

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Your tank is absolutely stunning. Great setup and I love the way the plants are arranged.

[viewfinder]

I picked up a couple of new plants from PetSmart - a Narrow Leaf Java Fern and an Anubis Congensis - they came in those "pest free" containers, which seem to be the cleanest option around here.

I'm currently reading up on them and it appears both need to be attached to rocks or wood. I knew this was the case for regular Anubis, but I wasn't sure if it applied to all varieties - the package for the Congensis said "small", but now I'm not so sure.

I had no idea Java Ferns needed to be planted this way too. Can anyone tell me if it's okay to leave them in the substrate or will I need to tie them to something? They're currently just pushed in.

I don't see that being an issue now. Just gotta keep the rhizome above the substrate or it'll rot. I've had these plants since mid-February and the root growth has been insane! I'll grab a pic later if I remember.