Is It True About "trimming" Plants?

[coolie]

Is it true about trimming plants?
 
Can it promote new shoots or growth?
 
If so what type of plants? Stem plants only, or what about rhyzomes? I can't really see trimming rhyzomes being a good idea.
 
I am speaking from a tank with newly added CO2 and reading about plants hormones etc, wondering how to "kick start" some activity.

 

[Lillefishy]

Yes it's true, most plants can be propagated by trimming, even plants with rhizomes

 

[levahe]

I know that you can split the rhizomes of plants like Anubis into two halves right down the middle, not sure about others. I have cut off bits of Java fern rhizome and it grew OK.
Trimming plants does promote new growth and helps plants become more 'bushy' and nice looking. With most types of plant you can also plant the bit you trimmed into the gravel and that will help you to spread out your plants too

 

[coolie]

I've given one stem plant a "haircut" and left the another as a comparison. I've not tried to trim Anubias or Java Fern as yet.
 
I am just trying to send a signal to the plants that the ferts are there, the light is there, the CO2 is there, the flow is not a torrent but the best I can get it.
 
Now plants, please stop your dormant phase and start to grow!