Growing non-epiphite as epiphite

[tiger15]

Has anyone successfully done that. I have a cichlid planted tank. Currently, I only grow tough epiphites such as Java fern, African fern, Anubias and Buce attached to rock. I cant grow substrate plants because my large cichlid will dig them up. But I want to expand my plant choices. I know many floating plants can be tied to rock, but they tend to be soft tissue type that cannot take abuse from cichlid. How about Amazon sword, Crypto, Ludwigian or other tough leaf species. Can any work?

 

[BIG-G]

Swords ars root feeders so I doubt they would make it long. Crypts are also.
I have had some luck growing lobelia cardinal plant attached to driftwood but I don't know how it would stand up to abuse.
Hornwort grows floating but it's a mess if it gets shredded

 

[J. H.]

My spiral vals are happy growing on rocks. Coontail, water milfoil, or whatever you call that stuff, is tough, grows fast, will grow in substrate, floating or on rocks. You can't get it at your lfs, but it should be easy to find at a lake. Also, if you are willing to go partially submerged, you will have a lot more options.

 

[tiger15]

My spiral vals are happy growing on rocks. Coontail, water milfoil, or whatever you call that stuff, is tough, grows fast, will grow in substrate, floating or on rocks. You can't get it at your lfs, but it should be easy to find at a lake. Also, if you are willing to go partially submerged, you will have a lot more options.

Val's are pretty tough plant. How do you attach it to rock?

 

[J. H.]

Val's are pretty tough plant. How do you attach it to rock?

My little sister got this kit for making bracelets from mini rubber bands that she doesn't use, so I strap a val to a pebble with one of the rubber bands and put it where I want it.