Lower leaves of ambulia not doing so well

[CuriousFins]

I've noticed the lower parts of my ambulia are kind of soft and "crumpled". Could this be because they aren't getting enough light?

Only stock in the tank is pest snails.

 

[Byron]

Probably the light. Like all stem plants when rooted in the substrate, the growing ends will grow toward the light. The plant is putting most of its energy into growing, ensuring the growing ends are well nourished. Lower leaves also receive significantly less light and this is not sufficient to drive photosynthesis in those leaves. This is why stem plants usually require regular trimming.

 

[CuriousFins]

Probably the light. Like all stem plants when rooted in the substrate, the growing ends will grow toward the light. The plant is putting most of its energy into growing, ensuring the growing ends are well nourished. Lower leaves also receive significantly less light and this is not sufficient to drive photosynthesis in those leaves. This is why stem plants usually require regular trimming.

Is this bad for the overall health of the plant or just aesthetically bad?

 

[Byron]

Is this bad for the overall health of the plant or just aesthetically bad?

I mentioned the most likely and normal cause, but other factors may be involved. If the stems continue to grow toward the light, this is fine. What most do is pull up the stems when the lower leaves die off, cut the stems below where the leaves are growing well, and plant the cut end of the growing tips in the substrate. Depending upon the plant and the conditions (light and nutrients), this may be needed every few weeks, or more often.

 

[CuriousFins]

I mentioned the most likely and normal cause, but other factors may be involved. If the stems continue to grow toward the light, this is fine. What most do is pull up the stems when the lower leaves die off, cut the stems below where the leaves are growing well, and plant the cut end of the growing tips in the substrate. Depending upon the plant and the conditions (light and nutrients), this may be needed every few weeks, or more often.

Okay, cool.