Impossible To Prune.

[Joinerlavin]

Hi, im new to this and still doing a fishless cycle, but I have 2 crypts in the tank ( not really a planted tank),
the problem is that when the leaves die and melt, I only have a pair of nail scissors (about 3 inch long) and struggle to find which stem to cut and often cut the wrong ones and cant get to the stems at the bottom.

any advice, thanks ppl

 

[shaz-killie]

I've always just followed the stem down with my fingers and snapped it with my fingers, if its dead they tend to pull away easily anyway

 

[Joinerlavin]

I dont want to pull the plant out of the subtrate thoe, and it seems loose when i pull it. thanks

 

[shaz-killie]

yeah that's the last plant you want to up root as it's slow growing and it's through the roots it multiplies, i've had to disturb mine a few times in the last 2 weeks and it really isn't good for the plant

 

[Joinerlavin]

ok thanks for the replys

 

[aaronnorth]

when i have plants that have long stems/ bushy. I get my tweesers, pull the stem tight so that i can feel which stem i am cutting as i can feel it move with the scissors. If you dont have tweesers then use your hand to pull it tight.

BTW i mean "proper" planting tweesers.

 

[SuperColey1]

If it doesn't pull away with minimal force I just cut the crypt stem level with the substrate and let the rest rot down.

Ac

 

[Joinerlavin]

cheers

 

[Norwich keeper]

I follow the stem down as far as possible with thumb and finger then using my thumb nail to "slice" through! Helps of nail is a little long! I cut all my plants this way, even the tough Java Fern that is taking over the world ( well, my tank ).

 

[Truck]

i use a pair of long tweezers ( for aquascaping) then hold the plant at the bottom without disturbing it, then i pull the leaf away from the rhizome

 

[Joinerlavin]

so buy some long tweezers from the fish shop?

 

[aaronnorth]

Yes, if you can't get any then PM me and i know a good supplier,