Ishar.

So let me get this straight... cut the tops off and ditch them, leaving about what, 4" you say? of the bottom to grow up and out?? This sounds really scary to me to be honest, like if I do I will lose all of my plants!

AquaZilla

Welcome Ishar!

That is correct. Did you see the the link I posted from APC? That is a perfect example of what Im talking about..This is nothing new, and its common practice with stem plants.

Try it and see for yourself.

Question? Why do you think you will lose all your plants?

-O

AquaZilla

Here is a perfect example from Gahazanfar.

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...-timeline.html[/quote]

Ishar.

Wow fast reply Thanks for the welcome

I did see that thread- and the plants looked amazing. Simply stunning.

I guess I am afraid of losing the plants because of the limited amount of leaves that would be available to capture light to fuel the growing processes to come back so full and lush. When I trim I do both- I cut the stems back about 4" from the gravel and then replant the tops elsewhere. I get very thick stands in no time by doing this, but I also get uneven levels between stems, with some being cut tops and others being grown in tops.

Ishar.

Wow fast reply Thanks for the welcome

I did see that thread- and the plants looked amazing. Simply stunning.

I guess I am afraid of losing the plants because of the limited amount of leaves that would be available to capture light to fuel the growing processes to come back so full and lush. When I trim I do both- I cut the stems back about 4" from the gravel and then replant the tops elsewhere. I get very think stands in no time by doing this, but I also get uneven levels between stems, with some being cut tops and others being grown in tops.

EDIT: Please delete this post- internet lagged out or something and the post was sent twice. Sorry 'bout that.

AquaZilla

Yeah, after a big trim your tank will look like it has little twigs sticking up with no leaves.

Almost desert like, but in due time they will grow back thicker and more uniform.

Just remember to trim them in a fashion to where you know what it will look like when all filed in. I hope that made sense

Cheers, Orlando

Ishar.

That it does. I am going to try it with my Cabomba next trim I think. I will let you know how it goes :P

AquaZilla

I look forward to the outcome.

-O

Stem Plants Love Scissors

mightyrae

Ish,

I think we all went through this the first time. I felt like...Man its growing so well and if I cut it I was going to kill it. Orlando is right. I think if your plant is growing well then there is no need to worry about trimming it. For every top you cut you get two new side shoots.

Ishar.

I kind of came to that same realization- we all likely go through it so I shouldn't be afraid. So I cut up the cabomba, the bacopa, the stargrass... hahaha Trusted you guys and snipped away. Looking forward to the outcome