White Ribbon Plant

**MercenaryKarma** · 11-11-2010, 04:00 AM

Hi guys. Just few days ago I got me a White Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana) from Petsmart for my Fluval Edge betta tank. I went ahead and planted it in my tank and it looks great. However, I did some research on it online and found out that its not really an aquatic plant. I find this kind of strange as its clearly labeled an aquarium plant on the packaging when I bought it.

Has anyone every had this type of plant before? Any luck with it? Is it really an aquatic plant or some house plant? I've included some pics of it. Thnx.

**CassieLEO** · 11-11-2010, 05:49 AM

I just made the same mistake you did. These plants arent aquatic plants. Petco and Petsmart are selling non-aquatic plants as aquatic plants. They do fine for a little while, and then when they die, we think it is our fault, when it is their fault... Im taking mine back tomorrow. I am upset by this...

**smaug** · 11-11-2010, 09:38 AM

They are a good plant for terrariums and can be kept feet wet but not submerged. A good rule of thumb for looking for tank plants is to look for solid colored leaves that look thin in appearance. There are few aquatic plants that are multicolored and leaves that are meant to be submerged are normally thin and do not hold there upright stance or leaf shape when in open air. Take this plant back and give them a hard time for it,if more customers complained about being fooled they may rethink there labeling.

**Lady Hobbs** · 11-11-2010, 11:58 AM

Dracaena species are not aquarium plants but they are sold at fish stores because people put them in terrariums, as smaug said. Best to check out the kinds of plants you want first then take a list to the store so you don't get those that are wrong.

You can put this plant in a pot in your house tho because a houseplant is really what it is. If you see Lucky Bamboo at the fish store, don't get that one either or arrow leaf. They also sell those and people make the mistake of buying them, as well.

**funkman262** · 11-11-2010, 12:59 PM

I almost bought a peacock fern from them until I looked it up on my phone and discovered it wasn't aquatic either. Honestly, I'd just refrain from buying plants from them. Why should you have to worry if the plants are even aquatic or not? Find a good LFS nearby and give them your business. Or better yet, order some plants from members here. You can get plants that aren't available in most stores and at really good prices too.

**Gumshoe218** · 11-11-2010, 02:31 PM

I bought the White Ribbon plant from PetCo about a month ago also. Appreciate the message about it not being an aquatic plant. Will yank it out when I get home.