Not Quite The Netherlands

[ian]

it's really important to get the height the same as well mate. This is what gives the stems the bush effect.

 

[stu40]

Sorry to be dim, but which height the same? Each stem on a single plant?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Yeah mate, so they all stay the same height, as if they differ in height it looks less bushy. Thing I always wondered was what happens when they are all bushy and reach the surface? Guess you have to start at the bottom again lol.

 

[stu40]

Yeah mate, so they all stay the same height, as if they differ in height it looks less bushy. Thing I always wondered was what happens when they are all bushy and reach the surface? Guess you have to start at the bottom again lol.

Ta.I'll worry about this when/if it happens.

 

[Biulu]

Thanks for the diagram! That is really helpful. So, that means I have to trim my rotala lower than I did this time. What a pity as I can already see new growth appearing...

 

[stu40]

Thanks for the diagram! That is really helpful. So, that means I have to trim my rotala lower than I did this time. What a pity as I can already see new growth appearing...

Or just wait for new growth to grow a bit bigger, then prune lower.2 new stems & the start of a bushier one?

 

[lljdma06]

You should achieve an effect. See...

The prettiest part of the plant are the tips, they'll often change colors or "blush" as I call it. If you create different sizes, IMO, you keep the tips at different areas of the plant instead of just the top if you cut it all the same length. You also get a lot more leaf growth in the bottom third of the stem. Many have complained about not having leaf growth at the bottom third. I never had this problem.

Just my two cents worth, since, as you can see, I've worked well with stemplants in the past. Not saying the diagram is bad, it really isn't. It just really doesn't present the whole picture.

With Dutch scapes, or Dutch inspired scapes, I really akin it to flower arranging or outdoor landscaping.

L

 

[Biulu]

Liz, how did you achieve the look of the rotala in the 2nd and 3rd picture? It looks just like one big plant mass, lovely!

 

[stu40]

Thanks for posting those.Had trouble finding them in previous journals.
Pics 2 & 3 are absolutely stunning, seen them before but the tank was before i found this place.Was that your 8G?
Gives me something to aim for.
Will post more pics when it fills in, and you can tell teach me how to improve

 

[lljdma06]

Liz, how did you achieve the look of the rotala in the 2nd and 3rd picture? It looks just like one big plant mass, lovely!

When I received the stems, I planted 2-3 stem clumps in a line extending from the back left corner that then crossed in front of the stargrass. I wanted that effect. That's the thing in Dutch. It isn't just a clump of plants and that's it. They are often arranged to form "streets" and shapes. And the stem height isn't the same, that's how you create depth.

Thanks for posting those.Had trouble finding them in previous journals.
Pics 2 & 3 are absolutely stunning, seen them before but the tank was before i found this place.Was that your 8G?
Gives me something to aim for.
Will post more pics when it fills in, and you can tell teach me how to improve

Yes, this was my 8g, it's now a Marine tank. It's served me well. Fabulous little tank.

L

 

[Biulu]

So you planted several stems together and then with pruning you achieved the bushy, 1 plant look?

 

[lljdma06]

So you planted several stems together and then with pruning you achieved the bushy, 1 plant look?

Well, in a nutshell, yes, I think. The point is, I get the very quality terminal bud point on all stems. When you start branching, and branching heavily, the quality of the points diminish somewhat. I also think the stems weaken after some point when you prune it that way. That scape lasted quite a bit longer than most typically "stem" scapes last.

L

 

[stu40]

New additions
slightly easier to photograph as they actually stay still for more than 2 secs

 

[Alm0stAwesome]

Oh I like them What are they? Sorry if you've already told us

 

[stu40]

You must have skimmed past it; buried in all the good, plant stuff.

Red Phantoms


I'm finding that yellow fish, blend in too much.