Preparing Live Plants for Planting:

Upon unboxing, the plants may look wilted and “droopy” as they have been stressed from being shipped in a dark box for several days and through varying climates. It will take them at least a day or two to perk up and start looking spritely again. If the plant has perished, either due to postal delay or other uncontrollable factors, please contact us immediately upon receipt of the plant.

A quarantine period is recommended for all live plants as they should first be inspected and thoroughly examined for the prompt removal of common pests and hitchhikers, and other undesirables like algae, before introducing to a closed system like an aquarium. We do a basic clean-up, but we do not perform chemical treatments as it would stress the plant too much before shipping and introduce unwanted chemicals that may be unsafe for pets (Copper, for example, kills snails, but also shrimp). It is therefore the responsibility of the plant’s new owner to make sure the plant is completely free of any unwanted pests and is safe for the inhabitants of his or her own water feature. We do not use any chemicals for aquarium plants, not even fertilizer, as we rely on fish waste, soil, and sunlight only!

There are 2 main methods for disinfecting plants before introducing them to an aquarium:

1) Bleach dip

2) Hydrogen peroxide dip

Pro tip: When adding new plants or fresh cuttings, especially after they have been stressed, using Seachem Advance in the aquarium for the first week is highly recommended. It is specifically designed with phytohormones to accelerate new root, stem and leaf growth. This not only helps with the initial transplant shock, but helps them quickly establish themselves in their new environment.

What you will need:

1. Unscented bleach OR Hydrogen peroxide

2. Disposable gloves

3. 2 separate containers

4. Dechlorinator (Seachem Prime)

5. Seachem Advance (optional)

Bleach Dip

Bleach is a strong oxidizing agent that most hobbyists are familiar with as it is a common household cleaner. It is a caustic substance so be sure to take the appropriate safety precautions when handling bleach. When preparing your bleach plant dip, use unscented household bleach. It is effective against algae, parasites, fungus, and bacteria.

Follow these 5 Simple Steps:

1. Mix unscented household bleach with water at a 1:19 ratio (1 part bleach to 19 parts water) to create your bleach plant dip. Set aside.

2. In a separate container, mix your dechlorinator with water at 3x the recommended aquarium strength. Set aside.

3. Now, using gloves, dip your plant in the bleach solution for no longer than 2 minutes (do not dip the roots). Mosses and thin-leaved plants, a minute and a half only.

4. After 1.5 - 2 minutes have passed, remove the plant from the solution and gently and thoroughly rinse your dipped plant under a faucet for about a minute.

5. Once rinsed, soak it in your dechlorinator mix for 5 minutes. Pull them out and you’re done!

Hydrogen Peroxide Dip

Hydrogen peroxide is another strong oxidizing agent commonly used as a bleaching or antiseptic agent often used to disinfect superficial wounds. When preparing a hydrogen peroxide plant dip, be sure to use 3% hydrogen peroxide. It is effective against algae, parasites, fungus, and bacteria.

Follow these 3 Simple Steps:

1. Mix 2-3ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of water.

2. Dip your plant in the hydrogen peroxide plant dip solution for no longer than 5 minutes.

3. Using gloves, remove the plant from the solution and gently and thoroughly rinse your dipped plant in a neutralizing rinse solution prepared with a concentrated dechlorinator at 3x the recommended aquarium strength.

You’re done!

If you have any questions, please send us a message!

Happy Planting :)