narrow leaf java fern

[StanChung]

hi people,

need some help as to how to properly plant this very nice plant.

i have about 40 leaves and almost all are sprouting new baby leaves near tips. even a broken leaf without stem can sprout new leaves.

i'm planning to tie the leaves on a branch. what i need is some expert advice on how to plant this fella to grow out neat. right now it looks like gnarled aluminum strips. i understand there needs to be a flow for it to look nice. please advise...

[budak]

Moderate light, a good current and coolish temperature (below 28C) will get the ferns growing.. they starts off a bit slow, but once settled, are invasive. Just stick or use cotton to tie the fernlets to the wood you want. Initially it will look gangly but they will realign their growth later.

[StanChung]

i was thinking trimming edges and tying then onto branch with black cotton to get a fresh grow up as i doubt they will align...maybe they will with a bit of flow like you said...hmmm.
they are about 30 cm long now and unruly. definately gonna test my patience...

...thanks for tip...

[|squee|]

A question: Can you use this in a 2ft tank without it being too long/big? As in, can I trim the long leaves away so the plant stays small? Or will that undermine the plant's health in the long term?

[StanChung]

hi squee,
hmmm very good question...
as you know is a slow grower.
it's also something like one of those alien species that from one tiny piece can grow into another alien.
so i doubt you will harm its health if you snip at the stem. in fact you are harvesting.
unlike most other plant leaves which becomes compost.

i was lucky enough to meet a plant expert who's hobby has become extreme hobby! he advised to tie leaf lengthwise on branch. plantlets will sprout from there to create multi layered fan...

i think in a 2 ft tank maybe very lush looking and full...

[Goondoo]

hi squee,
hmmm very good question...
as you know is a slow grower.
it's also something like one of those alien species that from one tiny piece can grow into another alien.
so i doubt you will harm its health if you snip at the stem. in fact you are harvesting.
unlike most other plant leaves which becomes compost.

i was lucky enough to meet a plant expert who's hobby has become extreme hobby! he advised to tie leaf lengthwise on branch. plantlets will sprout from there to create multi layered fan...

i think in a 2 ft tank maybe very lush looking and full...

I have narrow java ferns in my 14" tank

[StanChung]

I have narrow java ferns in my 14" tank

hi goondoo,
i think i know what your name means.
but would you be so kind to post a pix of your 14" tank with the ferns?

[Goondoo]

hi goondoo,
i think i know what your name means.
but would you be so kind to post a pix of your 14" tank with the ferns?

Nothing great.... just trying to be lazy with no CO2 and ferts...

[StanChung]

looks nice and carpet moss, no easy feat!
mine is just tied down and still foetus stage. i'm afraid will prob be a couple of months before it even looks decent. it's a 2ht 2wd 1 dp tank. i will post once it looks presentable...paiseh