Problems With Pothos Plant

[AKKADIAN]

Hi, so I recently came across a few videos on YouTube that talked about the benefits of using the Pothos plant (aka Devils Ivy) as a means of lowering nitrate levels within the aquarium.

The videos basically said the process was simple, take a Pothos plant, wash the dirt off the roots and submerge it into the tank. So that is what I did.

The problem I am having a week later is that the edges of my plant are turning black... Can someone please explain what is happening and what is the correct approach to adding this plant to the tank.

(Please note, I only submerged the roots, not the plant itself).

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

I can't explain it but mine has the same. I wouldn't worry about it. Mine grows very well, to the point I have to cut it back. I've had it for a couple of years with that. It should be fine.

 

[neutrino]

A few general possibilities are too much heat from lights, lack of ventilation, salt in the water, a mineral/nutrient deficiency or imbalance (can be due to high pH), sunburn.

 

[tlindsey]

I was told by a friend that Pothos has to grow roots for water and the roots for soil were different. I agree with the other members.

 

[tlindsey]

I was told by a friend that Pothos has to grow roots for water and the roots for soil were different. I agree with the other members.

I personally just cut a couple of stems off my Pothos plant and let it grow fresh roots.

 

[FINWIN]

Hi, so I recently came across a few videos on YouTube that talked about the benefits of using the Pothos plant (aka Devils Ivy) as a means of lowering nitrate levels within the aquarium.

The videos basically said the process was simple, take a Pothos plant, wash the dirt off the roots and submerge it into the tank. So that is what I did.

The problem I am having a week later is that the edges of my plant are turning black... Can someone please explain what is happening and what is the correct approach to adding this plant to the tank.

(Please note, I only submerged the roots, not the plant itself).

View attachment 1406521

The pothos is adapting to being submerged...you will always lose leaves to 'melt.' Just keep trimming and leave them be. Although pothos is a low light plant it will need higher light submerged to kick start growth. Blue/red spectrum especially helps maintain the ones with huge leaves.I had some that were basically trimmed to just the vine stems with roots until new leaves grew. Make sure the plants you pick have large root systems. Provide lots of water movement/aeration.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

The pothos is adapting to being submerged...you will always lose leaves to 'melt.' Just keep trimming and leave them be. Although pothos is a low light plant it will need higher light submerged to kick start growth. Blue/red spectrum especially helps maintain the ones with huge leaves.I had some that were basically trimmed to just the vine stems with roots until new leaves grew. Make sure the plants you pick have large root systems. Provide lots of water movement/aeration.

I can attest to this. When I first started mine, I had t o prune yellow leaves on occasion. I haven't had any in quite a while.