Java fern question

[.Craig.]

Hi all
i have got a question about java fern trident, Which I want to keep smaller. If I was to cut it back to start new growth would that be a painfully long process? Anyone done it before? I have a mature plant I require smaller to complete my scape.

I have a low tech tank with no Co2 which I have read keeps the trident more compact.

Thanks Craig

 

[mbsqw1d]

Hi all
i have got a question about java fern trident, Which I want to keep smaller. If I was to cut it back to start new growth would that be a painfully long process? Anyone done it before? I have a mature plant I require smaller to complete my scape.

I have a low tech tank with no Co2 which I have read keeps the trident more compact.

Thanks Craig

Are you talking about cutting the rhizome or the leaves? I've had plants die on me after cutting the rhizome so be careful with that. Ferns propagate by growing baby plants from the ends of their leaves, so removing leaves will prevent growth of any new plantlets

 

[OldTimeFisher]

A aqua scissors with the upward bent blades will make this task easy. Just reach into the tank and cut off the longer stems as close to the base of the plant as you can without damaging the rest of the plant. I also find it easier to shut off the filtration while preforming this task. Then simply scoop out the cut stems.

 

[.Craig.]

Are you talking about cutting the rhizome or the leaves? I've had plants die on me after cutting the rhizome so be careful with that. Ferns propagate by growing baby plants from the ends of their leaves, so removing leaves will prevent growth of any new plantlets

Plants are not fixed yet, just cutting the leaves of as close to rhizome as possible

 

[.Craig.]

A aqua scissors with the upward bent blades will make this task easy. Just reach into the tank and cut off the longer stems as close to the base of the plant as you can without damaging the rest of the plant. I also find it easier to shut off the filtration while preforming this task. Then simply scoop out the cut stems.

mine at not fixed yet so even better, just not sure if the plant will take a long time for new leaves to appear as I will be cutting back about 80-90% of it

 

[OldTimeFisher]

mine at not fixed yet so even better, just not sure if the plant will take a long time for new leaves to appear as I will be cutting back about 80-90% of it

In that case, I wouldn't cut them just yet. Place/affix them where you want them in your aquarium for now and let them settle in first before stressing them out more. Wait until there is adequate new growth before cutting them.

 

[.Craig.]

In that case, I wouldn't cut them just yet. Place/affix them where you want them in your aquarium for now and let them settle in first before stressing them out more. Wait until there is adequate new growth before cutting them.

I will do that & thanks for the advice

 

[PheonixKingZ]

Hi all
i have got a question about java fern trident, Which I want to keep smaller. If I was to cut it back to start new growth would that be a painfully long process? Anyone done it before? I have a mature plant I require smaller to complete my scape.

I have a low tech tank with no Co2 which I have read keeps the trident more compact.

Thanks Craig

If you cut back now, it will take forever to grow back. I’d wait until it is much bigger to trim.