Mangroves

[e_baer]

Anyone else have any mangroves?

I have had my mangroves for about 5 months or so and about 2 months ago, decided to try to plant one in some topsoil in a bucket, then fill the bucket up with saltwater. I want to see how large I can get a mangrove while keeping the roots condensed inside of the bucket.

So far from being in the bucket I have found a few things. First, the sopsoil must have had a lot of water in it already lowering the overall salinity of the water in the bucket. I notice there is not nearly as much salt I have to wipe off the leaves. Secondly, the mangrove seems to be growing a bit slower than the ones in my tank. I would imagine it has to due with not as many nutrients and possible because it is cooler since it is near a large window. Has anyone else done this?

 

[Hawkeye]

Actually they don't need salt at all as far as I know. I'm not a botanist but it's a plant like any other. The reason why you don't see it growing in Idaho is because it is out-competed by other plants. However in the water along the shore - "normal" trees/plants are not able to extract the freshwater from the salt...hence you find mangroves. I'm simplifying it I'm sure - but that's to the best of my knowledge.

I read that if you hang the mangrove pods high from the mud/tank, they will extend their roots down. As they extend down you keep migrating the mangrove up. This will eventually get the neat effect of "tunnels" in the tank of roots. This is what makes the groves a great natural nursery for fish (the roots protect the little fish) similar to a reef.

It is a tree you know - so that one in your pot will probably grow as long as their room up.

 

[ds4x4]

they grow better in your tank because of the waste that is produced by the fish.. Hydroponics is great and can grow seemingly normal plants/vegetables into huge monsters if done correctly

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

yeah..... house plants

 

[e_baer]

Yeah, I figured it was the plant nutrients in the water (fish waste). I have also heard about the roots growing downward, keeping the tree supported out of the water, but wasnt sure if I wanted that look, and after seeing some pics of others tanks who have that look going, am glad I didnt go with that particular look. I kinda want to trim because I hear that if I trim the top leaves off the tree will get much more broad similar to a bush.

 

[Edwardw771]

I have a mangrove in my frag tank. Welcome to the site. I see your in East Windsor. I'm right down the road in Robbinsille.

 

[e_baer]

Ahhhh, very nice to have a fellow reefer nearby. What stores do you go to, or do you order online? I have been to allquatics once or twice and they have some good stuff there, but try to get tank raised and non-wild caught critters from onlince vendors.

 

[diverrk]

I have a question.

Mine have been in my fuge for a few months now and haven't sprouted, no leaves. They seem to be alive still. Any hints ?

 

[e_baer]

What kind of lighting do you have exactly? (kelvin rating and wattage) Also, if you had some pics of the mangroves that would help as well.

 

[Henrye718]

I grew one like the same way you do lucky bamboo, it will grow past the lights and die, hit the cieling even. If you could find a way to stunt it before it gets to big you could have one hell of a tree in a bucket for a super refugium.

PS: There is a hydroponics place over in Avernel if your really interested, couple of cool displays in there too..

http://gardenstatehydroponics.com/

 

[e_baer]

Thanks for the link. You can trim mangrove braches/leaves and roots. If you do that, the tree will have more of a bush appearance. I personally have never done this, but have seen pictures on other forums about it.