Java Fern

[shrimply]

I had been putting of cleaning my tank since I hoped to get a new one and didn't see the point of doing the job to then pull a part a completely clean tank. Hovever last Sunday I finally bit the bullet and completely cleaned it. It is no longer a jungle as I found out that a lot of the plant stems had started to rot. I don't see much point in posting pictures as at the minute it is no where near a planted tank.

Anyway on to the questions. While removing plants from the surface to my surprise I found a tink bit of java leave which had broken off and then grown a plantlet. I had always imagined you needed to float the whole plant. Sadly in the caose I misplaced the leave so I wanted to try again but I had a few questions.

1) Would they shoot/grow in a cold water tank. It is more sub-tropical as I keep reptiles in the same room.

2) How long do they typically take to shoot

3) If I put the plant in a small bowl in a warm place with plenty of light but no fish would a bit of regular rooting hormone powder help it along.

OK so most of the questions are completely stupid but I feel like an experiment coming along.

 

[shrimply]

Anyone know? At least the answers to the sensible questions.

 

[George Farmer]

Java fern regularly produce plantlets on their leaves, it is another way of propagating, the other is via the rhizome.

Some say it is a sign of the plant trying to reproduce as it isn't doing so well, others say it is a sign of a healthy plant. I'd say it is probably both IME. My fern prodces new plantlets every week, I simply pull them off any throw them away.

It is impossible for me to say how long it typically takes to produce new plantlets, there are many variables, light, CO2, nutrients, temp. etc. Just keep a close eye and I'm sure you'll see one soon enough, even in cold water (although it will take much longer) but not less than around 18C I'd say.

I have no idea if hormone powders will work, not my area of knowledge.