Why Is My Java Fern So Ugly?

[Nano Jake]

I have a Java Fern in my tank that doesnt look very pretty. Most of the leaves have what looks like roots growing from underneath, also it keeps sprouting smaller leaves on the bigger ones.

I realise the tiny leaves are for reproduction but what about the stringy root looking thingys? they make it look so damn fugly!

Whats the secret to a good looking fern? what can I do to improve it?

Jake.

 

[DevUK]

Its literally to proon off those leaves. Sprouting new growth will be taking nutrients away from the main plant, so prune them off and it looks better and it gets more nutrients.

 

[radioman]

you can take those off and make new ferns but thy will evaentually come off themselves

 

[Nano Jake]

The thing is most of the leaves have roots sprouting out from the bottom. I guess I will cut them all off and wait for new ones to grow.

I take it leaves will grow without the unsightly roots?

 

[Rubix]

leave the roots. the roots are just that, roots, why would you cut a plant's roots? if anything, remove the leaf with the roots and new plants on it and plant it somewhere else to grow and thrive, otherwise just leave the plant as is and it will eventually become a mass of java goodness

 

[DevUK]

If all of the leaves on the mother plant are sprouting new plants, this might be a sign of lack of nutrients in your water. The mother plant decides to go all out and produce more offspring in the hope that they float off and grow elsewhere.

Do you dose any fertilisers?

 

[Nano Jake]

Yes I am dosing EI as per the sticky.

 

[SuperColey1]

I find that whenever I get a new Fern (any variety) that they grow plantlets.

I let the plantlets grow and when they are large enough (over an inch) then I discard the original leaves and re-attach the fresh ones.

The fresh new plants tend to be already acclimatised to the water and don't have to adapt to new nutrient levels so they have been on top form since they started and don't get to the stage of loads of plantlets and black patches like the 'adopted' mother plant does.

I think its more the plant that comes from one set of conditions and then out of water during transport then dumped into a totally different set of conditions etc is not really that strong once it gets to your tank whereas the 'babies' are already accustomed to their conditions.

Andy

 

[Nano Jake]

I find that whenever I get a new Fern (any variety) that they grow plantlets.

I let the plantlets grow and when they are large enough (over an inch) then I discard the original leaves and re-attach the fresh ones.

The fresh new plants tend to be already acclimatised to the water and don't have to adapt to new nutrient levels so they have been on top form since they started and don't get to the stage of loads of plantlets and black patches like the 'adopted' mother plant does.

I think its more the plant that comes from one set of conditions and then out of water during transport then dumped into a totally different set of conditions etc is not really that strong once it gets to your tank whereas the 'babies' are already accustomed to their conditions.

Andy

So the longer its in the tank the better it should get Hopefully the new growth should look better.