Pruning Swords?

[Trickerie]

Hey guys. My swords are in dire need of pruning. They are getting so tall, some of their highest leaves are literally 3 inches from the light fixture! Before algae takes over, should I just cut the whole leaf off when it gets to that point? How much should I let them grow before taking em down?

[Wasserpest]

To prune swords, just push the stem of the leaf down at the base until it cleanly snaps off.

Swords are a good example for plants that might need a properly sized tank. There are swords good for nanos, and others that need at least a 4ft cube to properly develop.

You might have a situation there where the best course of action is to remove it and find a smaller sword or other plant.

[Trickerie]

Well, I have a 20" tall tank, the leaf is literally 15" long. It has room, I'm just wondering WHEN I should prune. I mean, I dont think any plant should be that close to the light? Maybe I'm wrong

[Wasserpest]

I think you are wrong.

Many plants reach the surface and grow along it just fine.

Perhaps I don't understand your question. Once the sword grows at its fullest potential, all leaves might end up larger than 15". So "when" to prune? Normally, when the leaves get old and start to show signs of decay.

To illustrate my point, here are two swords I had to remove...





Kleiner Baer (Little Bear) turned into Big Bear.