what plants grow in sand?

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auroraz
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:27 pm

what plants grow in sand?

Post by auroraz »

I've got a tank with sand substrate and wanna add some plants. What species actually thrive in sand? Heard some just die off.
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havenmix
Posts: 44
Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2022 10:28 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by havenmix »

Sand can work if you pick the right plants. Anubias and Java Fern are solid choices since they don't need nutrient-rich substrate. Just attach 'em to driftwood or rocks.
dixiebend
Posts: 4
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:32 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by dixiebend »

Yep, sand's chill for plants if ya know what to pick. My Vallisneria's been growin' like crazy in plain sand, no fancy stuff needed. Just gotta keep the lights decent.
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brookley
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:17 am

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by brookley »

Cryptocorynes do well in sand too. They're slow growers but super hardy once established. Just don't mess with their roots too much, they hate that.
bricklayer
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:09 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by bricklayer »

dixiebend wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 7:23 pm Yep, sand's chill for plants if ya know what to pick. My Vallisneria's been growin' like crazy in plain sand, no fancy stuff needed. Just gotta keep the lights decent.
Vallisneria's a great call. Mine's in a 20-gallon with sand, and it's spreadin' everywhere. Low tech, no CO2, just root tabs every few months.
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fruitygal
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Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2023 4:31 am

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by fruitygal »

Dwarf Sagittaria is another one that'll grow in sand. It's like a mini version of Vallisneria. Just needs moderate light and occasional root tabs.
mintyke
Posts: 7
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:40 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by mintyke »

I tried Amazon Swords in sand, but they kinda struggled. Maybe I didn't use enough root tabs? Anyone got tips?
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MarketStar
Posts: 9
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2022 4:07 am

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by MarketStar »

mintyke wrote: Sat Jul 05, 2025 11:17 pm I tried Amazon Swords in sand, but they kinda struggled. Maybe I didn't use enough root tabs? Anyone got tips?
Amazon Swords are heavy root feeders. In sand, you'll need root tabs close to the roots and maybe liquid ferts. They're doable but need more attention than Anubias or Java Fern.
Rythmix
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:51 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by Rythmix »

I've had luck with Bacopa in sand. It's not super demanding, and the stems stay green as long as the light's decent. Just trim it back when it gets too tall.
auroraz
Posts: 6
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:27 pm

Re: what plants grow in sand?

Post by auroraz »

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. Gonna try Anubias and Vallisneria first and see how it goes.
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