Help: HM grow fast and blocking light

[Shadow]

I'm having problem with my HM (Hemianthus micranthemoides), it grow very fast and every time I trim, few branches comming out. After a while it become dense that blocking the light to the bottom part and bottom leaf start turning yellow.

Any tip how to trim HM?

Sorry mod do not know which category is this.

[brianclaw]

That's what happens with live plants... You trim them to keep them in shape. The only tip I can give you is to trim them almost half the height and either re-plant the tops, or throw them away.

[Shadow]

I guest no choice other than throw the old one and replant the new one

[Corleone]

Its tiring but hey then again isn't that the fun of aquascaping otherwise might as well get artificial plants right? =)

[wildfish]

Most of my plants seems to spread out more widely ever since changing to T5 lamp. They dont grow as tall as before and looks better than before.
Maybe this will reduce trimming frequency.
Anyone know if lighting can spur/alter the growth pattern?

[Shadow]

depend on the plant, if you are talking about HM, the more light you give, the faster it will grow.

[the_r0ck]

I honestly thought that it is supposed to be this way. My bunch of HMs simply are quite bare at the bottom. The stalks are still green and healthy but it is just that, stalks and not much leaves. The tips branch and spread from the trimmings and form a nice and lush foliage.

[AA24]

Just planted in my HM about a week ago.. just a few stragly bits..
NOW.. I noticed that they have started to sprout roots which are tending downwards .. and the new leaves are much longer than the originals.. and a lil red/pink.. the old leaves right at the bottom have started to die off, turning yellow.. the old leaves higher up still look the same... I hope this is normal...??..

[Shadow]

I honestly thought that it is supposed to be this way. My bunch of HMs simply are quite bare at the bottom. The stalks are still green and healthy but it is just that, stalks and not much leaves. The tips branch and spread from the trimmings and form a nice and lush foliage.

In my case the stalks are turning brown as well, some are even roten thus the new leaft become small.

[|squee|]

Most of my plants seems to spread out more widely ever since changing to T5 lamp. They dont grow as tall as before and looks better than before.
Maybe this will reduce trimming frequency.
Anyone know if lighting can spur/alter the growth pattern?

Lighting does affect growth patterns!

I think the change to T5 gave your tank a more "spread-out" even cover of light, so your HM can fan out in growth instead of growing towards the light.

And to answer the topic's question, you need to trim them regularly and replace the plants altogether once things get out of hand. You usually know when to do so because there will be the day when you trim and trim and somehow it looks like a total mess. Skill at trimming matters as well, I've never been able to sculpt my plants properly. We need to learn from Ranmasatome and his awesome red-dominated stemmed plant tank!