Petsmart Aquatic Plants Review: The Good and The Bad!

[@thesmallscape]

If you want to learn more about aquatic plants you can check out these videos! How to Propagate Anubias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nonJaoRrp8aVaqs How to Attach Anubias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4nMhqdso7VlhtU Anubias vs Crypts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gprchaywqtuobKM If you want more unique ideas check out my Instagram: @thesmallscape If you want to see some of my more traditional aquascapes check out Aquascapes by Joanna at Prime Time Aquatics: kzbin.info/door/YVN7EN0ALL6CE4U7NpMUTA

[@FoScoJo]

I would not recommend opening that over a sink. That gel might not be environmentally friendly (based on the rest of the wasteful plastic packaging) and you don't want it going down the drain and breaking down into the water system or sticking you your pipes. I'd open it over a trash can.

[@hummingbird3771]

You two are so cute, thanks for the relatable content,

[@darrylmoore5847]

Great video as always. My biggest con of Petsmart plants is that they sell terrestrial and aquatic plants together. If you are new to plants this could be a problem ( always read the label).

[@thesmallscape]

Oh yes! It’s very easy to pick up a semi-aquatic like a gold ribbon and stick it in your tank fully emerged. Agreed! Plus none of the big boxes label them as needing high light or co2 for those that do. ☺️

[@nkawtg4]

@@thesmallscape I just did this and I should know better....now I don't know what to do with my ribbon plants that I planted yesterday next to my swords and fed them root tabs... ugh

[@sinverrette9803]

@@nkawtg4 oh snap no wonder mine died..

[@Tootnscoot]

This is true. I scored an awesome Hawaiian Ti plant because petsmart thought it was an aquatic plant and put it on sale

[@chadalca17]

When I got my 29 gallon starter back in 2006, I got a copule anubias from petsmart. 16 years later, still have the same plant. Still many splittings and trimmings but still all from those original plants from 16 years ago. This is great, not everything from petsmart fish related = bad

[@Ishiisan]

A little tip: 1) Sometimes, you can find ones with baby plants growing off of them. 2) some ferns have more rhizomes than others. 3) IF the plant looks not that great, they may give you a discount if you ask for it😁

[@thesmallscape]

True, true and true!! Thanks for the tips!! 😃

[@4SUBLIME2O]

Solid tip. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@IAmNoeyes]

I live for discounts

[@RecycleChic]

Yes. I just half off 3 tubes because they were half dead!

[@acsone3546]

Or you put it in your pocket if it’s dying 😙

[@jonathanbickley8047]

3 years from posting date, but just want to say I super appreciate this video. Couldn’t have been a more exact match for what I was looking to learn. Very informative 💙🐠🐟

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you so much, Jonathan! That means a lot to me ☺️ Good luck with your aquatic plants!

[@chalupanotomatoes9609]

Respect for having the courage to open a top fin tube on camera! Never had a problem converting myself, lovely video!

[@MridulSinghMusic]

LOL I agree, sometimes the agar gel and fertilizer pellets explode out!

[@pattiespetitetanks6181]

😂 hahahaha

[@chalupanotomatoes9609]

@@MridulSinghMusic always a mess for me lol

[@pahowitzer446]

I was in PetSmart a few weeks ago and got 7 java ferns marked down 50% because of overstock. All look great.

[@leaf.me.alone701]

That just happened to me today but they said it was "damaged" idk the java Fern looks great I don't see any damage

[@TheShortsKingdom97]

This happened to me but the plants were dying. I just cut the dying parts out and planted. They’re all growing in nicely

[@scoddiboi]

See all those spore circles randomly covering one side of the ferns? Those will sprout new ferns from them. If you bought 7 tubes each of those probably has 3+ rhizomes all tied together with some black string, so already you’re at 21+ plants, now each of those will soon shoot out multiple new plants each! In other words, you should be set on Java fern, but now you probably need another tank down the road :)

[@pahowitzer446]

@@scoddiboi I now have a 29 gallon jungle of java ferns and three tanks.

[@davidwinfrey2861]

In my personal opinion I like petco better. There is this 1 near me and they treat their animals like a local petstore. And the selection is absolutely amazing. Im also glad my petco don't use the 1 inch per gallon rule

[@tic857]

Shine you're phone light down into the tube and you can get a better view. Also open from the bottom the little cup slides right out.

[@Rivercat0338]

That's a good idea. I got a plant with a rotted stem at Petco that was really hard to see in the dim lighting of the store, but they were great about exchanging it.

[@debbiebamrick4020]

I have bought plants from my local pet smart and from online and they were both equally good- and I get to save on shipping costs. The only drawback is getting them out of those darn tubes- lol 😂

[@amandajoanbaker]

Interesting - the PetSmart in my city in Canada sells all the plants from a tank, no tubes. No snail free plants, plants not labelled super well, some price stickers along the bottom of the tank do have photos, staff not always sure which plants are which and no information on how big they get. But I’ve got some healthy plants there (cabomba, moneywort) that are growing nicely and have bought moss balls there too. I’d prefer the tubes I think - would avoid having to get a staff member to bag them and the proper labels would be a big upgrade.

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Yes, some Petsmarts depending on location only have some sales methods for plants, the types can be Tube plants, bagged tissue cultures, in tank plants, betta container plants (moss balls, aponogeton species, potted plants), and dried bulbs.

[@caseymoore4759]

They deff have tubed plants. The only ones I’ve ever seen in water are the water weed varieties usually

[@deewillison5089]

Also in Canada and Petsmarts in our area do NOT sell plants in tubes. They should throw in free assassin snails with every plant purchase. 😥

[@MridulSinghMusic]

@@deewillison5089 that is interesting! I find that snails are good for tanks.

[@caseymoore4759]

@@deewillison5089 thats a weird hitchhiker to get since they usually hang out buried in substrate. Are you sure it’s an assassin snail?

[@BettaDaze710]

Those tubes are a pain to get the plants out of! But I have found they make awesome propagation containers. And you can reuse the gel that come with. I cut the tape off and carefully shimmy the plant out and then carefully cut the lid off the smaller container so I can reuse it lol. You pay enough for those plants you may as well get your monies worth out of it lol

[@thesmallscape]

No kidding?! Noted! 🙌👏✨

[@BettaDaze710]

@@thesmallscape yes! They are kinda like little mini terrariums

[@noelbrucker135]

Spectacular video, as usual! “Tip 5C” - I look for smaller/cheaper java fern that is already starting babies on the leaves for bonus plants :) The snail issue is why all my tanks have Topfin plants. One store just started selling the bagged tissue cultures and I picked up some beautiful bacopa (like you showed) and Scarlet temple.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes!!! Love it - great 5C!!😊. Bacopa makes me happy when it grows out of the water 💦 🙌☺️

[@robertwongus350]

My name is Robert,just want you guys to know. Your doing a great job putting good information out about taking care of your tank. Thank you 😊

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you, Robert. So nice of you to say! We try ☺️☺️

[@karac5337]

Those plants being emerse grown would be great for a tabletop waterfall stream themed garden.

[@thesmallscape]

Heck ya!! I have a somewhat elaborate one set for the spring. Am excited!! 😆

[@IsabellaM._]

I'm in Canada and have only seen plants at petsmart in tanks. I have seen tissue culture in Big Als fish store, though. I love plants in my tanks,but they never grow up as much as I expect. Great video 🙂

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Yes, some Petsmarts depending on location only have some sales methods for plants, the types can be Tube plants, bagged tissue cultures, in tank plants, betta container plants (moss balls, aponogeton species, potted plants), and dried bulbs. Thanks for watching!

[@dddmmm21]

Apart from these tubes, Petsmart's tissue culture plants are amazing. The are like $8-9 but each package, it seems expensive but each bag comes with a bunch of plants, you have to separate them. It is also pretty the same price you get online (for tissue culture), they never melted with me and they start growing immediately, so fast. Only con is the limited types available. But it is cool to just drive 5min and get these nice plants. For single units, my local aquarium shop has a good selection and ok price but they always melt before regrowing when I put it in my tank (different water I suppose). Tissue culture rocks.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes, I have had great luck with both big box tissue culture plants! ☺️🌿

[@jeffreyklima7612]

The only persmart deal I've seen is buy a plant get fert like 50% off. Never seen a plant bundle sale either

[@thesmallscape]

Yes! And I saw a “ buy a betta, get a plant half off” once. ☺️

[@nightstar8073]

I've never seen these deals either and I have so bettas never got a deal 😂

[@jacksonvillejoe679]

I have recently become a fan of Petsmart TopFin plants. I baby sat a neighbor's gold fish just before the holidays in 2022. I made a comment about how I missed having Goldie near my desk all day to distract me from work. Then I received 2 comets as a Christmas present. Now I have 6 tanks. 3 new from Petsmart, 3 of unknown origin from neighbor. I have 2 tanks with fish and was fishless cycling #3 and was planning on buying it's first fish. Instead of sticking with the Top Fin plant tubes that had gotten me off to a great start. on 2 tanks... for the 3rd tank... my heart sinks when I write this - I had gone to another store and bought some java fern and marimo balls. Then the Snail Fairy stopped by. Snakes, snails, slugs. We don't blend. Coppersafe is on it's way here. Lesson learned: Quarantine plants when they come from any other tank on the planet. Installing Top Fin plants directly to their new home is the way to go. I wish I saw this video just a few weeks ago! Thank you so much for the great videos and information. I love this channel!

[@cherylwilson5567]

Great presentation, Joanna! Thanks for the valuable info. Can't wait to see more of your ideas soon!! Can't get enough! Hope you have an amazing day!

[@thesmallscape]

Aww - thank you, Cheryl! Hope you had an amazing day too! ☺️☺️

[@leematherly3417]

I use these plants. I did some research and they come from a good company. I have had good luck with them in my betta tanks.

[@thesmallscape]

Good to hear it! ☺️

[@kylegoodyear2951]

It's interesting to see the difference between the PetSmart Canada and PetSmart USA handle plants. Up here in Canada they don't package plants in tubes but they have a couple tanks in their aquarium and fish section that sell them either with or without baskets. Up here in Canada we get all sorts of plants ranging from various stems, rooted plants, and exotic plants like flame swords.

[@retro6652]

Thanks for the breakdown! A couple notes from my own experiences: Pro: This may vary from store to store, but I asked the manager of mine regarding return policies on their plants and the manager was willing to extend the same return policy that they keep for their fish (i.e. If it dies within 2 weeks, you can get a replacement/refund). This makes the risk MUCH less since these are tissue culture plants that may die a little easier than their "natural" counterparts. Con: It can be REALLY hard to judge the quality of the plant, even in that clear tube. I purchased a windelov java fern from PetSmart once to come home and find that the "plant" was actually a bunch of individual leaves, each with their own tiny rhizome, bundled together to appear as one plant. Needless to say, those leaves had a much lower chance of viability and died off quickly.

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks for sharing all this great info! ☺️

[@JDfan3340too]

I love these plants, and have MANY anubias nana ones from Petsmart, and Petco too. If after you cut off the top of the tube, you take your scissors, and poke one side up into the bottom, you can loosen the inner tube, and then tip it and it will usually (not always) slide out into your hand, then I usually cut down the side of the second tube to get the plant out. Just a tip on how I do it. That way I don't have to bother cutting the outer tube down the side. Thanks for the video! Great one! I love these plants, and have had very good luck with them. They're in everyone of my tanks.

[@thesmallscape]

Yes! You are right!! 👍👍

[@JDfan3340too]

@@thesmallscape Tubes are a pain in the behind, but at least that makes it a little easier. LOL

[@MridulSinghMusic]

Great video! Depending on the Petsmart location, plants can come in the tubes, from within tanks, in little betta containers (this usually is for aponogetons, moss balls, and potted plants), dried bulbs ('betta bulbs' generally come with a Nymphaea species, 3-4 aponogeton species bulbs, and sometimes one crinum species), or in bags (the bagged versions are generally tissue culture plants). If you want 'rare' or harder to keep plants, look at the tissue culture bags - sometimes there are great gems in there, such as ludwigia white, rotala macrandra, alternanthere reneckii mini - and variegated sometimes.

[@thesmallscape]

I know! Isn’t it fun! I figured I would show a few of those other non-tube plants at the end of the video so folks know they have those too! ☺️

[@steveroberts7373]

I bought a large tube with an anubias that had a bunch of leaves and the leaves looked super healthy. Got it home and opened it and found I had gotten two plants not one. Buy one get one free, was a nice score.

[@thesmallscape]

LUCKY!!! 🙌🙌🙌

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Oh this is a good one Joanna! Of course when I found you guys, I got so excited over plants...I went straight to our big box Co and I bought plants!! Availability is number one, also that they're labeled makes it nice for the beginner too! I've been setting up a tank for my daughter here in Kentucky the past couple of days and there is no Petco or PetSmart near us 😢 I also had very good luck with my plants after I figured out not to bury java fern in the substrate 😂 Nice in considering the price points in relation to the actual plant! That's a great rule of thumb to check the package size and to see if they're the same plants! And you're absolutely correct about the transition I almost gave up on my java fern because it all died or I thought it did before I realized all the little babies growing off of it! What I've learned from you guys is priceless!! And it absolutely kept me from giving up!! 😂😂 Sometimes the struggle is absolutely real getting them out of the containers 😂😂 What a wonderful tutorial on how to use these plants and letting people know what to expect. I admit when I first came on to KZbin I researched everything I bought.. and one of the things I put in the search bar was plants from Petco or PetSmart so for me this is a wonderful video to help people! When I first found you guys Jason recommended me using hornwort and I bought Moss balls.. it absolutely got me inspired to try more!! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! You've made the hobby inspirational for me!!🙏🌿🐟🌿💚

[@roytrudgian2547]

Very good idea of tube ideas. I was the first to do for cut flowers in Australia. To provide protection of my products. Wish they did this idea in Australia for aquatic plants here. Plus instead of uprooted semi aquatic and aquatic stem cuttings of plants with NO roots, have them rooted up instead. BRILLIANT IDEA

[@johnwood738]

Got about fifty percent of my plants from Pet Smart/ Pet co,the rest from LFS. challenge first scape sand water fall 🤩.

[@armouredjester1622]

I've actually gotten most of my plants from local fish keepers. I tried buying from out of my city, but the plants just kept dying. Regardless, I have an entire BUSH of Naja Grass now. Happy.

[@johnwood738]

Second comment,you have to get Gold Coin Anubias can’t believe how fast it’s growing. I’m like you and love anubias of any type and have several.

[@marypaigeflynn4512]

Ohhhh Mee tooo💚🌿

[@thesmallscape]

Yaaaaa!! Woo!!

[@thesmallscape]

I can’t wait!! ☺️☺️

[@christiemiller4700]

I bought two Amazon swords from my local Petsmart, and I didn't get any die back, and the plants are doing great. I do give them lots of root tabs that I bought from Aquarium Co-op.

[@BradClarke]

This seems to be a US only thing. Petsmart in Canada does not offer these tissue culture plants, and instead only sells plants from plant tanks. I get my tissue culture plants from ABC plants based out of Montreal. I would love to find some micro sword tissue cultures.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, really? Kind of like that gas station you guys have over there with the reportedly great coffee (per Peter McKinnon) ☺️

[@BradClarke]

@@thesmallscape Tim Hortons? Yeah, not great coffee IMHO, but the lineups at the drive-thrus say otherwise 🤣

[@dpowers2005]

I've had good luck with petsmart's tissue cultures. I just make sure they look to be in good healthy before purchasing. Also, top fin says snail free, but I have gotten snails from them. 🤷‍♀️

[@MridulSinghMusic]

That's interesting, most Petsmart tissue cultures take longer for me to adapt than other brand tissue cultures - especially their rarer tissue culture plants. Thanks for watching!

[@randyp2882]

Very nice video thank you I am learning all this stuff on videos 10-20 hours a week after work rn in 2022 . This specific video for petco, I work there now and it's nice to see a non bias pov of a product tya small scape.

[@dan_e]

Awesome video! I have never had much luck with the moss balls. But just about every other plant that PetSmart has (only local fish store for me) I have had really good luck with. One thing that is good to note is that some of the plants will go through a melting phase before they grow their fully aquatic leaves. And some look completely different when they do so like water wisteria.

[@al44tec]

Big tip on the Java fern when you buy those: look for the little nodules at the tips of their leaves. That is how they propagate. You can buy one plant and actually get 6-10 new plants due to those nodules. Pretty cool to see those throw new roots just days after putting them in.

[@thesmallscape]

Absolutely!! 😊

[@ElizabethFranquiEsq]

Great video and totally on point. The gel is hard to get off and DON'T empty the whole pod of gel in the sink. It doesn't dissolve and will clog the drain! I have succesfully planted PetSmart plants, but the selection is limited. I've had less luck with online live plants probably because I was new to plants when I last ordered, and was way too ambitious in my purchase. My fish and I all love my planted tank!

[@barbarastrohmenger6123]

I have gotten alot of my plants from Pet Smart and have had NO problem with them. They're nice and green and healthy looking. As far as pricing I think it's about the same. When you purchase plants on line you have shipping costs which you don't have when you buy at Pet Smart. I love the live plants I've gotten from there. They are thriving.

[@paulanoakes5358]

I have gotten some from Petsmart and they did well. I wanted a compact sword that my son has. They had it but most of the leaves were brown, except for a tiny couple of leaves. I asked the employee if I could get a discount and they gave me it for 75% off. Planted it in my tank. The next day the leaf was bigger, then it just took off like crazy. It is still doing well. So if you see one that is mostly brown ask them for a discount.

[@STARPHASE]

I recently got an anubias from petsmart. I opened it and it was completely rotted. I was able to get an exchange, and when picking another one, I was actually able to slip the top off without breaking the plastic seal.

[@mlersk8830]

Thank you for posting a video about a petco product. So many videos people do seem more geared towards the hobbies that is so hard core they would never or rarely shop at a petco or petsmart- but I’m prob not the only one who mostly does shop there out of convenience. Thank you!

[@thesmallscape]

Thanks so much 😊

[@JTCT371]

I got these plants from Petsmart, and they are thriving. They were a vibrant green when I got them, and there were no snails. I will buy them again.

[@finnwiggles28]

Fabulous! I knew the packaging was going to be a 'Con' and is the main reason I don't buy my plants there anymore. PTSD from trying to open those containers! Lucky for me I found a great online supplier so I get to support another plant nerd.

[@thesmallscape]

Nice! Lol. That is a great thing - to support the small shops! Yay for fish nerds too 😊😊😊

[@tinamarieussery3063]

Intersting Dad always loved plants in his aqurium but had no luck

[@armouredjester1622]

It's possible he had/has a problem like I did, where there's just not enough of something in the water. I bought a TDS meter and my plant growth has exploded since I know when they're getting low on nutrients.

[@CarolynnMc01]

I bought some of these plants a few years back. They did well. I was in my local PetSmart a few weeks ago and i was amazed to see 3 - 20 gallon tanks with a variety of potted plants. I didn't buy any, but the plants looked really nice! I wonder if all PetSmarts are going to start doing this.

[@thesmallscape]

Ooh - that sounds fun! I hope mine does!!

[@zeriyx]

i live in the middle of nowhere oklahoma and the petco nearest to me does a good job with its plants already growing well underwater.

[@davidadkins8805]

Didn’t let Jason get in on this video’ lol small scapes Jason!!!! Very nice video Mrs PTA

[@thesmallscape]

Thank you, David! I always try to get him to help! No luck so far. 😐🙂

[@ChristianSouthernGirl]

Thank you! So good to know I have always been kind of cautious of buying those from the store.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, great. Wish you luck finding some nice ones if you give them a shot. ☺️

[@robotzombie3546]

Good vid. Would you add a vid about each typical variety they have in store with pics of them full grown because tubes don't always have all the info & staff don't know. Petsmart should have posted that vid also

[@Spacey7]

You could reuse those tubes if you didn't destroy them! I got some(it said) Java Moss from pets at home in UK & it looks nothing like Java Moss, it's more like grass? It's growing well & looks quite nice whatever it is. I got some miss that was growing on top of a bucket outside my house & tried that & it's beautiful & didn't die off at all.

[@darrenwallace7471]

I got some plants from petsmart to try in my 10 gallon tank when I first set it up, mixed opinion on them as you pointed out some do better than others. My main gripe is the bold statement that they claim they’re 100% snail free! Yeah you guessed it I’ve had snails in my tank from the plants. Just something to be aware before buying, even when I rinsed them well and quarantined them before adding to my tank, but that’s the risk you take I feel for any plants you buy just didn’t like they would label them as 100% snail free when nothing is in my experience.

[@katya4802]

I know, another year ago video. But I am starting with live plants. I tried getting them shipped, wound up with pest snails. Tried Petsmarts plants in the tanks. Also, tried a lfs plants. All failed. But I have started on the Petsmart tube plants!! They are growing great!! I have only gotten 3 so far. About a month or so apart. They are still pretty. Only problem... all 3 are Amazon Swords instead of something different. Lol. Cant remember from one time to the other what I got. Just drawn to the Swords. Will remember now and get something different. It's also great because there is another secret you didn't tell. Some have more than 1 in them!!

[@markhunter2244]

Hi Joanna. I don’t think we have Pet Smarts in the UK, at least I haven’t seen one, however we do have a chain store called Pets At Home. They sell Tropica plants in similar type packaging to the Top Fin. They seem pretty good, but I do prefer going my LFS to get them already converted 🤓

[@thesmallscape]

Hey Mark! Oh my gosh, even your stores sound cool. At the LFS is kind of like shopping at the fresh market instead of the convenient store. Lol. Can’t beat it.

[@zalphinian]

I like buying the plants at discount at Petsmart. They're older, they're starting to not look good, but every time I've ever taken it home and put it into the tank or pond, it's come back and looked gorgous. Again, just a little patience is needed.

[@MichaelRobinson-vw4jg]

I just picked up the small anubias today from PetSmart for $3.50ish as it was on clearance and only had two brown leaves so I'm sure I made out as long as they survive 😊😊😊

[@suejudith2009]

Thanks for your videos! I hope they bring in more new fish keepers that may feel a little intimidated by big tanks and big scapes. 💕🌱🐟🐌

[@thesmallscape]

Aww- so sweet! That sure is my hope. It’s sometimes really hard for beginners in this hobby (it was for me for the longest time) 😌

[@deanmorier5353]

Hi, based on your videos on Petsmart and Petco plants I stopped by a Petsmart one day and they had a beutiful Anubias plant and African Fern plant in stock. They were so reasonable and in great condition and have adapted well to my tank. Thanks for the tip.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, I’m so happy to hear it!! I have great luck with any and all Anubias I have gotten there. ☺️🌿

[@jennifersparks3435]

I just got some dwarf hair grass from PetSmart and when I got home and started to rinse it and break it up into plantable bunches and there was a live snail along with maybe 20 eggs super glad they didn’t make it to the tank lol

[@mikef3300]

I really like the crypts that they sell at my petsmart in the little package. They grow pretty fast for me and 3 or more plants for 10$ is a pretty good deal. Just have to get lucky and get them before they’ve hung there too long. 👍

[@thesmallscape]

Yes!! Just got a pack of the red - love em! 🙌

[@-shmoopie-]

I will have to try those!

[@ruthmeow4262]

I have found it a good deal to get them after they have been there a while and they have reduced the price. If the gel is still good the reason they are dying back is a lack of light. Leaving them in the bag under a good light for a couple weeks brings them back to great shape.

[@mikef3300]

@@ruthmeow4262 Your petsmart must be cooler than mine because I’ve never seen them lower the price on them. They seem to be very hardy though so I could see them bouncing back. 👍

[@twoturtletom]

Great video. I just bought my first plant tube. Anubias. Thanks for this overview!

[@thesmallscape]

Yay!!!!

[@AniMerci]

Most Petcos now sell submerged plants. Some have more of a selection than others, but I've found some great deals on beautiful plants. I believe Petsmart only sells tissue culture.

[@connorbell5340]

I've never seen these before but maybe thats because I'm in canada. Very neat concept.

[@MegaMaddydog]

Thank you Joanna. I like the fact they are snail free.

[@thesmallscape]

Hi Bonnie! Meeeee tooooo!! 💁🏻‍♀️🐌

[@voluntaryismistheanswer]

Me toooo, I quarantine snails, I don't want to quarantine plants!

[@anotherpersononplanetearth3936]

I remember seeing these once! I'll definitely consider this! Thank you!

[@Uschi357]

I've bought some bulbs in a betta cup from petsmart and one of them grew into a really nice Aponogeton plant, the other two stayed small.

[@JosephWhitworthGaming]

If you cut around the bottom instead of the top, the bottom container comes right out with the plant. Super easy :)

[@foreverautumn2315]

You are so right, for beginners I think it's better for them to see plants in person, and then (hopefully) get excited about them and trying a planted tank. Not all Petsmart stores carry aquatic plants, though... mine doesn't. My Petco does, but they usually only have a handful of tubes and the plants are always either melted or rotten... :(

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, that’s too bad! I’m hoping as time goes by, more people try them out - so much fun to keep them. ☺️

[@zelibeli]

Petsmart does put them on sale when they are about to expire in the tubes, but they need a bit of additional tlc at that point.

[@farmert9679]

Gel might be called Soil Moist. Once soaked in water, it becomes a gel that you put in potted containers so that the gel lets water out with the roots and soil becomes dry and not watered. I have bought PetSmart plants and found them reliable also. Nice tutorial.

[@thesmallscape]

Could very well be!

[@monsterfishgal]

I have petsmart plants. When i buy them I look on their website and price match the price usually the price is cheaper online

[@thesmallscape]

No kidding?! Sweet, thanks for the tip! 🙌

[@comment.highlighted]

I’ve had good experiences using the Top Fin Plants. I recommend them 🙂

[@christopherhoffman2002]

Great video, thanks! Definitely good to check the labels! They keep aquatic and semi-aquatic plants all mixed together. Once, I excitedly came home with a bunch of new varieties only to find that most of my favorites were semi-aquatic and wouldn't survive being fully submerged. Rookie mistake : )

[@thesmallscape]

Lol! Ya, I was always reaching for the gold ribbon 😐

[@Jennifer-nz2ss]

I have gotten plants from both and they look pretty good. But some have died,some lived. I think that's because of me not the stores. I'm good with plants but, have not been able to grow lots here in TX! WATER IS VERY BAD!!🌊🌊🦈 Its luck for me🍀

[@finnwiggles28]

LOVED the Cameo from the High fin Variatus Platys!!

[@thesmallscape]

Heehee!! 🙌

[@ONEFUNFONE]

Rinse the gel off in warm (about the same temp as your tank water) to dissolve the gel from the roots, never hot because it will damage the leaves and roots, cold wont dissolve the gel. I've actually had pretty decent luck with both P branded pet stores with plants, but even the tubed ones will occasionally have snails.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh, yes! You are right - cold water doesn’t work so well. 😊 and you’ve gotten snails? Really. Bummer.

[@kimbassett2770]

Thank you very much for the great tips. I plan on utilising them this weekend.

[@thesmallscape]

Yay!! Glad to hear it. ☺️

[@fisherchi]

Your struggle getting the plant out of the packaging is funny. I've had the same issue. :)

[@markvonwisco7369]

@ 1:40 In my head I heard "You've got snails!" in the "you've got mail" voice. Re the tubed plants, in my experience, the smaller sized plants seem to adjust more quickly to my tanks. My local Petco has a pretty decent plant selection for a chain store. I just picked up an ozelot sword plant earlier this week. They mostly stock beginner plants, which makes sense to me. I've had pretty good luck ordering plants online as well.

[@thesmallscape]

That’s SO funny! (Great movie btw. F. O. X. lol) Interesting about the smaller ones doing better..

[@christopherlewis7690]

I've never seen those tube plants at my local petsmart (Canada), that store has an open top plant tank that they sell loose plants from and let me tell you, they are far from snail free! The first one I bought came with those little 2-3mm ramshorn snails and Planaria, just a heads up for any Canadian viewers.

[@JasonFolk07]

Yeah to anyone who buys from there check and wash any plant before putting in your tank last thing you want is snails lol

[@Elisabeta88]

Thank you for this video. I have had a tough time keeping my 30gal fish tank snail free...I have gotten plants from fish tanks,and have found that these almost always have snails in them /: 🐌🐌🐌 I love snails but don't always want them in my tanks. Currently my 30gal was run over by a population of a invasive snail pop., And caused me to re start my whole tank over again- new substrate,new plants(snail free) and having to boil any of my decor(rocks and a castle) hopefully these plants from PetSmart work,and there are no more invasive 🐌🐌🐌.. my corydoras,angelfish and guppies are doing swell..but these snails GOT TO GO.

[@raventhomas3998]

I use Petsmart plants a lot. I do a plant dip for hitchhikers, potassium permanganate, (Wal-Mart's Jungle Clear)on all incoming plants. Also they now have tissue culture so gave that a go, drawf hairgrass. All have done great. Love all your videos. Thank you.

[@nancyzepp7247]

I use the bottom pot to root houseplant cuttings and reuse the gel.

[@lukeb6771]

It’s so important to mention again that emersed-grown plants will partially die off when you submerge them in water It’s completely normal and can be expected. The reason is because the leaves are used to the mild conditions and lack of nutrients in the air. It’s also because they’re used to how easy CO2 respiration is and the ease of light uptake. When you put them in water, they are suddenly in a much more nutrient-rich environment, which can “burn” the leaves. CO2 is also less readily available. And, light is filtered and dispersed once it passes through water. Basically, the leaves are in an environment drastically different than what they were grown in, which will kill most of them. But the plant is still alive. It just needs to grow new leaves that are made for water. Interesting tidbit - a plant can look pretty different based on whether it is being grown emersed vs immersed. You will often notice that the leaves on immersed plants are darker and smaller/skinnier than emersed-grown plants. It might look like the plant is unhealthy. In reality, it’s in its natural form. Emersing an aquatic plant is the way to ”fatten it up” quickly, kind of like a pig farm. I always buy immersed-grown for about 15 years and have never once brought anything unwanted into my tank. If you get your plants from a reputable seller who definitely doesn’t have snails in the tank, then you won’t get snails in your tank! In fact, immersed grown is beneficial. Those plants will carry some of the microorganisms from the mother tank and transfer them into yours. Just like taking a cup of water from the seller to initially “seed” your new tank’s microbiome. It’s even better if the plants were also grown with healthy livestock. That’s great for your aquarium! Don’t be afraid to bring new life into your tank. *You won’t bring deadly diseases or parasites into your tank if the mother tank didn’t have any diseases*. Biodiversity is the key to a healthy aquarium.

[@LazyRetroGamer]

Thank you this was very helpfull video for a beginner like me

[@thesmallscape]

How nice to hear, thank you so much!

[@LittleElfiePlays]

To open them I peel the bottom lid off and wiggle it out because it doesn’t damage the leaves

[@Toneloke-3000]

My PetCo has better plant selection than PetSmart. I find you can turn upside down the tube plants and tap them lightly, the plant should slide down so you can see what you're getting.

[@thesmallscape]

Occasionally - yes! 👍

[@MridulSinghMusic]

That's a trick I've used - it almost always works! And I agree, PetCo has a greater selection of plants, and usually fish too. My LFS however, dwarfs both in terms of fish and plant offerings, but that can be said for most LFS. Thanks for watching!

[@typicallyusual6984]

Just got some anubias at Petco the other day. It actually had two different types of anubias in it! Currently they’re being quarantined in my growout tank in case there’s rhizome rot, but here’s to hoping they’ll be okay! I’ve got the perfect spot planned for one of them.

[@thesmallscape]

Sweet! Good luck!🍀

[@VolCanixWorx]

I just sat here for 5 minutes trying to figure out my my airpump was so loud.... 😅😅😅 it was yours I was hearing 😂😂

[@ejfishes7610]

Nice review Joanna. I’ve never purchased one from Petsmart but good to hear you guys have had good luck with them!

[@thesmallscape]

What are you one of those fancy fish club people?? Lol - hey Eric! 💁🏻‍♀️ I miss the Friday clubs ☹️😐

[@ejfishes7610]

I do too. Coming up on a year since the last one 🙁

[@toxickiller2459]

I found a different kind of plant called alternanthera Reineckii rosefolia at a petsmart of mine and I couldn't find this plant at any of my other fish stores, and petsmart is a good option to get some easy plants too

[@jessebelle6596]

Thank you, Joanna! Helpful video! I’m looking forward to more! :)

[@thesmallscape]

I’m so glad - thank you so much 😊

[@hellbunni7957]

I never have problems with the tube, I go from the bottom and pop the bottom lid off without scissors and then pull out the root holder (?) and the plant comes along with it. Takes about a minute and a half tops

[@angelmika2010]

This was very helpful as i was sure if i should buy plants from petsmart. Thank you for sharing.

[@thesmallscape]

So nice to hear, thank you! ☺️

[@crystaldawn2708]

It took me over a month to completely eradicate my pest snail(pond snail) hitchhikers by hand(tweezer, lol). I definitely recommend plants that promise snail free(tissue culture) to anyone that doesn't want to deal with hundreds upon hundreds of snails invading their tank!

[@thesmallscape]

I hear you! They multiply fast!!

[@crystaldawn2708]

@@thesmallscape I had no idea they could reproduce asexually until it was already too late! 😂 Can't wait to see what other videos you have, you seem very knowledgeable and kind.

[@thatbitofmoss]

I got a moss ball from petco and it was just Java moss wrapped around a Styrofoam ball with fishing line

[@viperr007]

Pet smart use to have Aponogeton in the tubs. I haven’t seen them in awhile though. It was a good deal for 9.99 for 2-3 bulbs

[@thesmallscape]

At mine - I did see a few in “betta” cups! I think there were actually 2-3 in there too. A bit small and wimpy but...😊

[@markw9416]

Just asked for the buy 3 get one free yesterday and they accepted it. It’s normally a deal on the plants that are in the tanks. 2 Anubias and 2 Java ferns cost about 16 dollars.

[@thesmallscape]

Nice!!! Makes me want to go there right now. 🤭😃🥳

[@kinglyzard]

Pro #1 for me is that their plants are free of parasites and pests. Con#1 is conversely the fact that they are packed dry in agar and must adjust to submerged conditions.

[@thesmallscape]

So true and true!!!👍

[@xlr8bmt]

I followed your advice and got a good deal. Thanks!

[@thesmallscape]

Yay!!! 🌿

[@elizabethG633]

Our Pet Smart has submerged plants so there is no adjustment and not a lot of melting as with the other. The first bunch of plants I got from our Pet Smart, I didn't know you should soak them in a water solution with vinegar or bleach or Alum to get rid of snails and some other critters, so I ended up with an infestation of snails in the one tank that took me months to get rid of. So far I have been 3 months free of snails except for my Zebra Nerite. Now I know that Alum is the safest to use, I have soaked my new plants for a day, and nothing showed up, so I was free to plant. Everything is fine, and I have one more tank to convert to planted. That is my next project, happening this weekend.

[@thesmallscape]

Oh wow! I have actually never purchased the submerged ones out of tanks at either big box. Sometimes I am tempted..some day soon I will try once I have my grow out tank set up. Thanks for the info, really appreciate it!

[@noelnunez6435]

Love your advice and your tips as well thanks