Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Guppy Grass (Najas guadalupensis) — the plant that needs no planting, propagates itself into infinity, and is the ultimate fry sanctuary. The only challenge? Keeping it from taking over your tank.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Stargrass (Heteranthera zosterifolia) — the fast-growing, dense, star-shaped stem plant that's fragile to handle but rewards you with lush cover and even blue flowers when grown in a tub.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Monte Carlo (Micranthemum tweediei) — the three key reasons most hobbyists struggle with this popular carpeting plant, and exactly how to fix them.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Red Root Floater (Phyllanthus fluitans) — why yours isn't red, why it keeps dying, and how water flow, lighting, and iron are the three keys to success.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Amazon Sword (Echinodorus bleheri) — the right way to plant, the reason your leaves melt after purchase, and exactly how to propagate new plants from runners.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudelotii) — including the crucial tip about the melting phase and why you should never throw this plant away.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Subwassertang (Lomariopsis lineata) — the easy-care, seaweed-like floating fern that's perfect for shrimp tanks and fry rearing.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Cryptocoryne wendtii — the one plant you actually DON'T need to outsmart. Hardy, colorful, CO2-free, and thriving in virtually any substrate or lighting condition.
Mike's "How to Outsmart Your Aquatic Plants" series: Dwarf Aquarium Lily (Nymphaea stellata) — including the most important rule: when the leaves die back, DON'T throw the bulb away. It's NOT dead.
Plant of the Month: Jungle Val (Vallisneria americana "Gigantea") — the hardy, low-maintenance background plant that can reach up to 6 feet and creates a stunning underwater forest in any freshwater aquarium.
