Java Moss

[This Old Spouse]

I don't have a lot of experience with plants, but I'm finding the java moss I have is tough to keep under control. I should probably be trimming it, but how do I do this without it floating all over the tank? Am I missing some key step that makes it easy? The batch I have superglued to a piece of driftwood in my 20g long tank is finally attaching itself to a neighboring piece of driftwood, which is good as it's not growing out, but creeping along the wood. But the original batch is growing all over the place. What's the best plan of attack to keep it short and bushy?

 

[Teephphah]

Hmmmm. The approach I usually use is just to (somehow) kill it dead.

How? No idea. The stuff is supposed to be the easiest plant in the world to grow, but I kill it. Every. Single. Time.

 

[This Old Spouse]

You're not helping!!!

Maybe it's your avatar ...

 

[nurglespuss]

Hey there, I 'used' to trim mine (Now I've let it bush out - probably in need of trim now, despite me wanting the 'natural' look ;p)

I cut it fairly roughly, pinch a section twixt fingers, cut with small sharp scissors, repeat.

i usually do this after I've removed the first bucket of water on a water change, then use the syphon yube on second bucket to retrieve any escapee bits

Hope that helps!

 

[blinky000]

I posted a similar topic to this a few days ago about xmas moss How long do you let yours grow out before trimming it? Do you find trimming it regularly makes it more bushy? I'm trying to get mine to fill out, it looks a bit pathetic at the moment

 

[This Old Spouse]

Yep, those are the questions I have, all right. Anyone have the answer? nurglespuss, that does help. But wondering if this helps it bush out? I just saw a post of someone selling some java moss, and it looked so tight and compact, just wondering how that look is accomplished.

 

[StandbySetting]

Just give it a 'hair cut' and then collect the free floating bits with a net.