Emergent plant growth query

[Cromid]

Hey guys, had a query about the growth of my emergent pothos and monstera I have in my tank.
The growth has exploded recently aftwr the root systems for both now reach down into the substrate of the tank.
I noticed that growth of some of my stems has all but stopped and I think this is why, and i think are just getting their nutrients stolen from the above water plants.
I have pulled the roots carefully out of the substrate, and there is a lot of new growth.

My question is, if I cut these roots back, would this affect the pothos and monstera or cause them to go into shock? I’d hate to damage them or cause them to die off

Thanks

 

[GaryE]

I know with peace lilies, the roots can be pulled from the substrate and trimmed, and the plant will seem unaffected. When I had long vines identified as Monstera but possibly not, I had to cut the roots several times and the plants didn't visibly suffer. I've also trimmed the roots of several varieties of Pothos when algae became intertwined, and they grew well after.

I trimmed the roots on a young Pothos last week, with no worries it would suffer.

All the plants in question had far larger root systems than the ones in your pictures, even after the trimming.

 

[Cromid]

I know with peace lilies, the roots can be pulled from the substrate and trimmed, and the plant will seem unaffected. When I had long vines identified as Monstera but possibly not, I had to cut the roots several times and the plants didn't visibly suffer. I've also trimmed the roots of several varieties of Pothos when algae became intertwined, and they grew well after.

I trimmed the roots on a young Pothos last week, with no worries it would suffer.

All the plants in question had far larger root systems than the ones in your pictures, even after the trimming.

Great to know, thanks Gary. I’ve had them in these wee plastic boxes that suction stick to the glass to hide the long root systems, but they’ve since growth through, and still into the substrate so they’re definitely liking the tank. But it’s good to know I should be able to cut these back without any adverse affect.

My rotala was growing so well and is now really struggling. I might need to up ferts to keep up with the demand

 

[Magnum Man]

if they are in hang on pots, and what we are seeing is what has escaped the pots, you should be fine trimming them back to the pots... it may slow the vines growth, but there is likely enough roots in the pots to maintain the plant...
I have several , as @GaryE ... said... to prevent shock, you could trim the roots back a little at a time, like 25% of what you are wanting to trim, each week, until you get to your goal..

this is how thick my pothos has grown, these are in the work area behind a few tanks built into a wall... right now I have many of 3 different varieties of pothos, ( one slower growing that is variegated, but mostly white ) a few philodendron, several peace lilies hoya vines, monstera type vines, and lucky bamboo, for emergents... several varieties of anybis, and Java fern ( so only ryzome plants for submersed ) and a few varieties of floating plants...
of those vines, I haven't found that they need to reach the substrate to thrive... they seem to get enough nutrients from the aquarium water...

 

[Cromid]

if they are in hang on pots, and what we are seeing is what has escaped the pots, you should be fine trimming them back to the pots... it may slow the vines growth, but there is likely enough roots in the pots to maintain the plant...
I have several , as @GaryE ... said... to prevent shock, you could trim the roots back a little at a time, like 25% of what you are wanting to trim, each week, until you get to your goal..View attachment 362014View attachment 362015

this is how thick my pothos has grown, these are in the work area behind a few tanks built into a wall... right now I have many of 3 different varieties of pothos, ( one slower growing that is variegated, but mostly white ) a few philodendron, several peace lilies hoya vines, monstera type vines, and lucky bamboo, for emergents... several varieties of anybis, and Java fern ( so only ryzome plants for submersed ) and a few varieties of floating plants...
of those vines, I haven't found that they need to reach the substrate to thrive... they seem to get enough nutrients from the aquarium water...

Woah. That is some growth there! I hope mine get to that size some day! Thanks so much for the advice, least I know I can keep doing what I have been and they’ll continue to thrive