Mangrove Plant (Propagules)

The propagule's long-form will add aesthetics to any aquarium. They look great in open-top, shallow reef tanks, or separate refugiums with macroalgae. So if you plan on keeping one or two, plan ahead and make room: for the roots to grow and branches to extend.

Tips and Care Guide:

Mangroves when purchased come in the propagule form at around 6-8” in length, however, can grow up to 30’ tall with expanding root system; ample space will be required. A large sump or refugium may suffice.

• They will do well in waters in the care range of keeping a reef, from 78-83°F, pH 7.0-8.4, dKH 8-12, and salinity up to 1.024 sg.
• Living in the natural sun, mangroves require moderate to high-output lighting if kept indoors, preferably in a warm white spectrum. Ambient lighting coming from a close-by window can also be beneficial or a spotlight separate from tank lighting can be used.
• A deep sand bed is recommended for the mangrove to take root, but the roots can work their way into the rockscape. Nutrients are typically provided by the aquarium substrate, and growth can be further enhanced by providing magnesium, iron, and trace element replenishments.
• Although mangroves do take in phosphate and nitrates, proper mechanical and skimmer filtration is still needed.
• Mangroves export unused nutrients and salt through their leaves. Leaves that fall into the aquarium water system should be collected so they are not allowed to decay.
• Salt is excreted by leaves or by the trunk which can be sprayed with RO/DI water. This salt is extracted from the water, so aquarium salinity levels should be routinely checked to maintain stability in addition to having an ATO system.