Can my tropical plants grow in the gravel or do i need peat?

We have a tropical fish tank and have purchased some more tropical plants (Cryptocorynes, Cabomba, Anubias Nana), can we place them straight in the gravel.? We have heard a roumor that if you add peat in the tank they will grow more, is this true? any hints?

Yes its true but you need to put the peat in before the gravel when you set the tank up. I would sugest if that is not possible that you put a Grolux bulb in your tank or something equivalent. The plants that you describe need a lot of light and plant food. If all else fails and your plants dont do very well you could get some Java fern which will grow anywhere and multiply very quickly. Good luck.