Do aquarium plants need sand for growing?

Question

I have small sized stones as substrate.It is not a natural nutrient rich substrate.Can two live plants live in it or should I add sand or any other thing for its survival?

What do people usually use as substrate in their aquarium?

Answer 1

I had plants myself, and they all grew well without the use of sand. All you need is the right light, and the right liquid fertilizer. (I used API's "Leaf Zone" plant food and Seachem's "Flourish excel" organic carbon every other day with great success)

Answer 2

Nope, just keep their roots stable at the bottom of your tank. They need oxygen and lighting to grow (Blue lighting is best for plants to grow).

Answer 3

Drain your Aquarium remove the gravel and put sand in its place.