Is this normal?

[fishgirl]

I have never had much luck with plants in the past, but I thought I would give it another go. I bought a simple anubias nana from Petsmart today. Now, I do not know much about aquatic plants, but I do know that this is a pretty hardy little thing. I have seen other anubias nanas at other pet stores, so I have a pretty general idea of what the healthy plant looks like. I picked the pack that seemed like it had the most plant in it and that had the most leaves. Unfortunately when I got home I removed the outer casing of the package to find white and brown fuzzy stuff on the roots of the plant. Is it fungus? Is this a healthy plant still? Do I need to take it back? Thanks in advance for any input here!

[url]http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/nellie103/media/FullSizeRender%202_zpsontxt4do.jpg.html?filters[user]=146390093&filters[recent]=1&filters[publicOnly]=1&sort=1&o=0[/url]

^Still have not figured out how to directly post photos on this thing the files I try to upload all say they are too big, but they are not. If this link does not work, please let me know so I can try to show you guys a different way!

[mbkemp]

Will it come off? Generally, as long as the rhizome is ok, not mushy, these will at least live


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[Diana]

Anubias should not have fuzz on the roots.
You can try dipping it in some hydrogen peroxide.

[fishgirl]

I have thought about it, but with my luck with plants I think that I might just take it back and get one from a different store that I know is healthy. Still curious if anyone has seen this before, though

[C. Andrew Nelson]

As Diana said, there shouldn't be any fuzziness on its roots at all. I'm sorry you've had such trouble with plants, but here's the good news: Anubias is a wonderful as super easy plant to keep. Assuming you get a hold of a healthy specimen, Anubias is a very versatile, forgiving, and beautiful aquatic plant variety. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and light levels. Keep in mind that they are a epiphytic, meaning that they grow on the surface of rocks, wood, and other objects. You can anchor the small roots into the substrate if you like as long as you leave the rhizome exposed. The best way to employ them in a tank is to attach them to a rock or piece of driftwood. I usually just wedge them into a crevice and call it a day. After a short while the Anubias will grip that surface tightly.

Another very easy and forgiving plant if Java Fern (Microsorium pteropus). Plant the same way as Anubias. If you've got a healthy plant from the start it's hard to go wrong with Java Ferns.

[fishgirl]

@mbkemp I don't know if it would come off. It was in a sealed package that I would likely not be able to return if I were to open it up and examine it more closely. It didn't look like something that would just rub off, though. I ended up returning it today, going to a different store and buying a single plant. Let us just hope for success! XD

[mbkemp]

Good luck to you!!


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[C. Andrew Nelson]

I think that was the wise thing to do. You shouldn't have much trouble with the new plant. What is your tank set-up like?