Prepare the portion
Work in a shallow tray and keep the leaves moist. Gently remove pots, weights, and growing medium. Rinse away loose fragments. For tissue-culture portions, remove the gel according to the grower’s instructions and divide the plant into small pieces.
Rhizome plants: attach them
Anubias and Java fern grow from a horizontal rhizome. Attach the plant to rock or wood with an aquarium-safe tie, leaving the rhizome exposed. The roots may grow around the hardscape. Burying the thick stem can cause it to rot.
Rosette plants: keep the crown visible
Swords, crypts, and sagittaria have leaves arising around a central crown. Place the roots in the substrate and gently draw the plant upward until the crown is at the surface. Allow room for roots and future leaves.
Stem plants: separate the bunch
Plant stems individually or in small, spaced groups. Remove lower leaves from the section going into the substrate. Do not compress every stem into one tight hole; space helps light reach the base and makes later trimming easier.
Carpets and mosses: begin thinly
Divide a carpet into small plugs spread across the planting area. Mosses work best as a thin layer secured to hardscape. Dense mats can trap debris and shade their own inner growth.
Floaters: leave them on top
Floating plants belong at the surface. Keep a portion of the water open and avoid an outlet that constantly submerges their leaves. Remove excess cover before it shades all the plants below.
Further reading & references
Tropica: planting ↗AquariumFish.com: Java fern ↗Original practical guidance compiled for AquaticPlantSale.com. Plant response varies with species and aquarium conditions. Photography credits are listed on the credits page.