Most people trim stem plants while they are rooted. There is no need to uproot them to trim. In fact, that is probably more harmful because then the plant must re-establish its root system. I recommend cutting the stems at the desired height , and then replanting the trimmings, or discarding them. The part that remains rooted will grow new shoots.
Recommendations for trimming stem plants?
I recently re-started my work tank. This time I went with 1-1 1/2 inches of soil and 1/2-3/4" Eco complete. Most of my plants are stems and they are growing really well, but when I pull them out by the roots to trim and replant, it drags much of the soil out making a huge mess.
Would it be reasonable to cut the stems at the substrate level and let the roots become part of the organic soil? Would that just decompose and add to the nitrate levels?
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
Would it be reasonable to cut the stems at the substrate level and let the roots become part of the organic soil? Would that just decompose and add to the nitrate levels?
Your thoughts are much appreciated.
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I'm thinks the OP means that they are replanting the tips?Most people trim stem plants while they are rooted. There is no need to uproot them to trim. In fact, that is probably more harmful because then the plant must re-establish its root system. I recommend cutting the stems at the desired height , and then replanting the trimmings, or discarding them. The part that remains rooted will grow new shoots.
I've found trimming back new growth from stem plants but leaving the 'mother' plant rooted, makes for a progressively uglier mother plant in short order. Tips have better growth, more color and frequently any algae issues on lower leaves are removed. They root in a few days.
To the original question.... Not sure what to say! I had the same problem in my dirted tank and that's exactly why I went with straight Eco complete.
Actually, I mean that I uproot the whole plant just so that I can get rid of the older growth and just continue with the newer, more attractive growth.I'm thinks the OP means that they are replanting the tips?
I've found trimming back new growth from stem plants but leaving the 'mother' plant rooted, makes for a progressively uglier mother plant in short order. Tips have better growth, more color and frequently any algae issues on lower leaves are removed. They root in a few days.
To the original question.... Not sure what to say! I had the same problem in my dirted tank and that's exactly why I went with straight Eco complete.
My own experience has led me to uproot and discard the older growth and plant the healthy, colorful top for new growth. I don't believe that leaving this old growth in the substrate will normally result in new growth; to the contrary, I've found it simply rots. Rotting vegetation contributes to an imbalance, and the last thing I want to do is create problems for myself.
I've came across the same problem with my work tank also. I very carefully try and wiggle out the bottoms of the rooted stems to minimize the amount of dirt it pulls up. Then I syphon the stuff that gets pulled up with an air line tube. There's no real good way to do it honestly. I don't ever keep the bottoms planted because they release a lot of organics when they die
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