Bushing Out Your Stem Plants?

[craynerd]

Hi Guys,

I am interested in using stem plants such as rotala species and ludwigia as two examples, in my next tank.

I got some rotala rotundifolia from tropica several days ago and although it is now growing well, it is growing tall. How do i get it to bush out very thick and send other side shoots out? Or is it a case of cutting it and replanting the cuttings?


Chris

 

[Puffer punk]

plant each stem indaviduly and re plant ur cuttings

 

[craynerd]

I was also told that if i keep pruning the tops off, it will send out side shoots, therefore bushing it out further. Has anyone any experience with this?

 

[Luke_e]

Yup, i have. I had to cut one of my plants as it began breaking the waters surface.. and i have a few little shoots coming out just below where i cut it.

 

[craynerd]

So you are saying if i cut my rotala it will kill the lower stem section??



How does Justin Law and the rest of the Creative A Union get it like it is?

Chris

 

[craynerd]

There must be some way to control the growth since many tank owners have them beautifuly sculpted.

Thanks FK

 

[oldwhitewood]

If you find out let me know too!

 

[craynerd]

OldWhite was that a sarcastic comment, i.e were you agreeing that there is no way to?

Chris

 

[Dubby]

I cut just above a node and wait for it to branch out. Planting the newly cut shoot close to the parent also increases the bushy look.

If there isnt enough light then the bottom half of the plant will lose its leaves. But I havent had the bottom dying out as a result of the cutting.