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Tips on trimming please

The Plantkeeping Classroom is for those who dream of creating Amano-like aquascapes but realize that there is much to learn first. If you are just getting started and have questions, post them here and we will do our best to help you become successful.
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Tips on trimming please

Postby lonewolf (384) » Fri Apr 15, 2011 11:56 am

I currently have just two types of plants in my tank now. 2 hornworts, which are growing like wild fire! and 2 swords, which aren't doing too well. Looks like they have been chewed on or something.

Anyways, I'm looking for a general guildline on trimming. I read through some of the previous posts and they mention something about replanting? Does that mean that when I trim the Hornwort, I can replant what I trimmed off and it'll grow?

I'll eventually put in a carpet planet as well as some other stems, and maype some mosses, so I'm looking for any type of general guildline.

Thanks for any help you guys can provide. I really appreciate it.
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Re: Tips on trimming please

Postby freshfish (9512) » Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:02 pm

If you've got any plecos in your tank, chances are your swords ARE being chewed on. Could you post some pics up of them?

lonewolf wrote: Does that mean that when I trim the Hornwort, I can replant what I trimmed off and it'll grow?



Exactly.

Trimming stem plants encourages them to "bush" out more. I usually let my stems get at least 6" tall before their first trim, and then I leave at least 2 nodes of leaves on the base of the stem- so trim about 2-3" above the substrate.

On the portion I removed, I strip off the lower few inches of leaves, and then use a pair of tweezers to gently but firmly grab the base of the stem (careful not to crush it) and then pull it under the substrate to replant it.

I usually work my way "forward" when replanting stems- so the oldest base stems (the ones most likely to have lost leaves at the bottom) are in the back, and the newer "fresher" trimmings are in the front.
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Re: Tips on trimming please

Postby ScottFish (2674) » Fri Apr 15, 2011 12:52 pm

Remember Hornwort/bunch plants are fast growers and need alot of nutrients and light. If your tank does not have enough nutrients, or when the lights age, then they show the first signs of stress: turn pale, drop leaves at the base (long stem), and/or leaves will get ragged. My fast growing "bunch" plants look great but eventually couldn't keep up with the other plants. I've changed the nutrients I've addded to the tank, will soon replace my light bulbs, and will eventually re-introduce more bunch plants.
Sometimes swords take awhile to settle in, and if they are not getting enough nutrients (especially iron --tabs and substrate) they can look "chewed". Once I figured out the right combination in my tank, the swords plants took off and look fantastic.
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