Aquatic Plant Diseases

Lighting

• Examine your plants if they show signs of yellow to pale greenish color. If they have bare spots at the bottom and growth closer to the light, and a thin layer of diatoms starting to grow, then you have poor lighting conditions.
  Check to see if your using the right type of lighting for your plants. Are the lights staying on long enough?
  Are you using the correct spectrum for your plants? Lamps heavy in the red side of the spectrum will lead to tall and leggy plants, lamps heavy in the blue spectrum will cause low or squatted growth, and lamps heavy in the yellow to green spectrum will cause your plants to experience stunted growth.
  Changing out your lamps, keeping them on longer, or even checking to see if you have the right full spectrum lamps in your tank are great ways to solve this problem.

Aeration

• Find a balance between your fish and your plants. While fish utilize the oxygen in the water, plants utilize the carbon dioxide. If your plants stay small and have a low growth rate, you have a CO2 deficiency. Increase the CO2 levels in your plants by fertilizing with nutrient tablets. These tablets can be placed at the base of your plants or buried into your aquarium's substrate at the plant roots.
  Remove any bubble wands or access bubbling decorations in your tank. Aggravated agitation of your water will result in a high CO2 loss.

Substrate

• Look at your substrate. If you have gas bubbles rising up to the surface of your tank every time the substrate is disturbed, your plants show poor root growth or are black in color, then your substrate may be to blame. Either your substrate is too fine and/or has been compacted, all of the nutrients in your substrate has been exhausted, or in the worst case scenario it is not compatible with the types of plants you are using. Try loosening up the bottom material and adding in some heavier grade material as well.
  This would also be a good time to add in some fertilizer as explained in section two. If this does not solve the problem, then you may have to replace the entire substrate in your tank.

Trace Elements

• Examine your plants, if they show any type of discoloration such as black or brown, develop holes in the leaves or your tank is experiencing excessive algae blooms, then you have trace element deficiency.
  The lack of trace elements can produce a wide variety of problems for your aquarium, including cryptocoryne disease. This disease will eventually cause the break down of all your aquarium plants.
  Regular water changes adding in trace element supplements is a great way to replenish trace elements.
  Also develop a regular maintenance routine, keep up with fertilization and change out your lights when the time arrives.

The Details

• Paying attention to these details will ensure that your aquatic plants stay healthy and strong. Take the time to examine your plants during your maintenance routine. Taking a proactive stance when it comes to your aquatic plants will pay off in the long run. Make sure you consult with your local fish store, they will provide you will the necessary equipment you'll need to be successful.