Aquatic plants have to be cut back, there is no way around it. Because uncontrolled growth seriously upsets the biological balance in the aquarium. If the scissors are not used, the appearance will also suffer at some point. But please never cut indiscriminately or radically!
How do I cut aquarium plants correctly?
Cut bettermoderately but more often so as not to upset the biological balance too much. Rosettes and water cups are reduced by removing individual plants. Ground cover plants require frequent and even trimming. Shorten stem plants, scoop up or pull out floating plants.
Can I cut back aquarium plants as needed?
Aquarium plants may be cut back if necessary. But you shouldn't wait until the last minute to do this so that the cut doesn't turn out too radical. The more green you remove, the more it affects other plants and creatures in the aquarium. It is better if you carry out regular plant care. The cut differsdepending on the plant type:
- Stem Plants
- Rosette plants
- Groundcover
- Rhizome plants
- Floating plants
- Water Goblets
If you have decided on aquascaping (€17.00 on Amazon) or have a nano aquarium, you will have to use the scissors very often to maintain the beautiful look.
When and how do I cut stem plants correctly?
At the latest when a stem plant reaches the water surface with itsshoots, you should cut it as follows:
- shorten upper shoots
- just above a knot
- Do not cut stems with flower buds
- some plants bloom emersed (above the water)
- cut off remaining shoots deeply
- if possible over a leaf
Which aquarium plants do I need to thin out?
WatercupsandRosette plantsare not cut back. To thin out, remove some plants from the aquarium. Otherwise, remove yellowed and damaged leaves as soon as possible. ForAmazon sword plantsas well as tiger lotus, hook lily and otherbulb and tuberous plants remove outer leaves at regular intervals.
What do I do if floating plants spread quickly?
Floating plants can't really be cut. But they must be reduced, otherwise the aquarium plants will receive little light and the air exchange will also be reduced. Small plant species can bescooped, larger plants can bepulled out
How do I shorten rhizome-forming aquarium plants?
Aquarium plants that form rhizomes usually grow very slowly. But they can spread widely with their rhizomes. Take out such a plant anddivide the rhizome between the eyes. Any section with an eye can be replanted.
How do I cut mosses and other ground cover plants?
Aquatic mosses and cushion-forming plants should be trimmedfrequently and evenlyto the desired height. Regular pruning keeps them low like a carpet, but also causes the plants to grow more densely.
Tip
Use clippings to propagate new aquarium plants
You can use cut shoots from stem plants and sometimes clippings from other types of plants for propagation. It is often enough to simply replant or tie up the propagating material after cutting it off.
