Trimming anubias roots

[kb46]

I recently saw a list of "tips" that suggested to trim off the roots of Anubias plants. Has anyone heard of this technique? Why would you do it, other than to keep the plant looking neat and tidy?

[J.B.]

I would imagine that is the only reason. I personally have not trimmed, nor do I plan to trim the roots of mine, now that I finally got it to begin growing nicely. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I be holding on to my Anubias roots.

[freshfish]

I've heard that trimming roots can have different effects on different plants. Most commonly, I've heard that trimming roots will keep some plants shorter and more compact. IDK for sure that this would be the effect with Anubias, but it would be my best guess.

[WhoMe???]

Hmmm, I understand trimming off old leaves, but the roots? No, I'm with J.B. on this. Why would anyone want to keep something so wonderfully wild and natural looking "trimmed??" That kills the effect!

[Renegade545]

I'm gonna swim against the current on this one.

I think it may have something to do with the speed at which it attaches to surfaces. I'm not sure, as i have never tested it. But that, besides for aesthetic purposes, seems like the only other reason.

You are only supposed to trim them when you first tie them down, not on a continuing basis.

[whaboutbob]

I trim them when moving to a new location. it seems to cause the roots to grow faster and they branch out in many directions trying to take hold of something, so I'd agree with Renegade545 that trimming helps it attach to surfaces faster.

I also agree that otherwise they should be left alone to allow them to grow naturally, but of course that's up to the individuals preferences.

[WhoMe???]

I'm gonna swim against the current on this one.

I think it may have something to do with the speed at which it attaches to surfaces. I'm not sure, as i have never tested it. But that, besides for aesthetic purposes, seems like the only other reason.

You are only supposed to trim them when you first tie them down, not on a continuing basis.

OK, I'll concede this point.... it does make a kind of sense when you think about it. You trim or top a plant to spur new upward growth. So why not trim back the roots to spur new root growth? I've always been so careful about not damaging a plants roots I guess I hadn't thought of trimming them before.
I'm going to try an experiment. Most of my Anubias are so tightly anchored I think I'd have to kill the plant to remove them. But a couple aren't anchoring good, so later today, when it's light enugh to see, I'll pull them, trim the roots back a bit, and see if it makes a difference.
I'll take a couple pics when I do it, so in a couple weeks I can have something to compair it to.

On a related note: what do you guys think about Java Moss and Anubias roots? Purely a cosmetic opinion question:
1) Would you cover your roots?
2) weave just a little into your roots?
3) or leave them totally exposed?

[Crazygar]

Leave the roots alone. When moving or initial planting, then yes, you'd want to trim them to spur the plant into high gear to re-attach and grow new ones. As for constant process, you'll manage to kill the plant.

Gary

[freshfish]

Trimming roots is pretty common way to develop terrestrial "dwarf" bonsai plants, so I'd imagine that it works too in the aquatic plant world?

Definitely agree, though - you probably want to know what you're doing before wacking off all the roots to a plant.

[Crazygar]

With plants with a Rhizome, the roots are very important to keep intact as much as possible. Only initial attaching and moving should you trim the roots.

Gary