Ferns

[cooky]

since i pruned and re-potted my ferns all the leaves have started falling off leaving almost all the 8 plants bare


also would the tannins in my bogwood have anything to do with it as the tank is slightly golden from it

any ideas ???


cheers

 

[lljdma06]

Ferns grow via a rhizome, which looks like a horizontal root that is quite thick. I normally do not plant my ferns, but rather anchor them to wood and rocks. If the rhizome is buried, then the plant can experience problems. In addition, if you cut too much of the rhizome, the plant can also respond by dropping leaves. What type of fern do you keep?

Yes, tannins in bogwood often color the water. Anywhere from a light golden color to the color of tea, depending on the tannic level. It is said that activated carbon can remove this coloring, but I for one like it.

 

[cooky]

i would say a Ceratophyllum demersum from looking at some pics online

 

[lljdma06]

i would say a Ceratophyllum demersum from looking at some pics online

That is not a fern, but a floating aquatic plant. Hornwort is difficult to get to anchor and often sheds its leaves. If it does anchor to the substrate is it because the bottom-most leaves modify to form rhizoids, which is an achoring mechanism, but it is not the same as the rhizome of a fern. Hornwort often sheds it leaves when moved around or stressed, and I personally can't stand this plant, though others here love it. Are you sure you have hornwort? Posting a picture of the plant would be your best bet.