How do we count 'stems'? (R-rated pictures)

[OVT]

Many of us sell/buy stem plants on TPT. What is the 'convention' for sellers and expectation of buyers when we say "5 stems'?

This question came up when I started selling plants like HM and Rotala magenta: a 'single' ~4" 'stem' could be hard to see with the naked eye.

Does the picture below show a 'single stem' or ~15 'stems'? The picture is a bit of an exaggeration, but really?
Thx!

[HD Blazingwolf]

I personally consider i a stem if its longer than 5 inches and is mature enough to be cut and planted on its own ad grow properly, not half sized runner that have not matured yet

that looks like a decent set of stems.. closer to 15 they all look well matured

BTW thanks for the nessea. its turned out kinda nice!

[NWA-Planted]

I would say between 13-15 usable, I guess I think along hd's train of thought

Sent from a dark corner in my happy place

[OVT]

Thank you, friends. That does make a lot of sense.
(PS yey, I'm rich now! )

No wonder some people were taken back to receive '5 stems' like that
just kidding ... but I should stop trimming at night.

[NWA-Planted]

Lol, nah the wife just needs to get you your own sink :-)

Sent from a dark corner in my happy place

[HybridHerp]

please tell me that is macrandra and please tell me that you always have some available
I've had less than good luck with that plant lol

But in all seriousness, yah, I would say something is a stem if it is large enough to be able to root into the substrate and grow on its own.

[OVT]

Originally Posted by HybridHerp

please tell me that is macrandra and please tell me that you always have some available

yes and yes

[HybridHerp]

Originally Posted by OVT

yes and yes

I must hit you up then, once my tank settle back down

[sarahspins]

I agree that longer than 6" and able to be cut/planted on it's own should count... you could pluck them off the main stem if it makes you feel better about the "count" but personally I found it's easier to plant and does much better if left intact.