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I just bought an anacharis plant(I think thats the name), and the stems reach the top of the water, and then bend to stay under, should I be trimming these to keep them so they don't even reach the top, how often should I trim them?, and how should I trim them, if there is a certain way?
Thnx for your time

Hi,
This plant is especially useful in a cold water aquarium
for fish such as goldfish. It is an excellent oxygenator,
and provides for the vegetative material that fish love to
eat. It is also called Elodea canadensis or the Canadian
Water Pest. It came from Europe at the end of the 19th
century, and eventually made its way into our lakes and
streams where it rapidly grew to become a pest.

It is best kept in low temperature aquariums. At higher,
tropical temperatures it fades, turns brown, and dies.
It perfers a pH of 7.5 and above, bright light, and water
with Calcium (Ca) available for it to grow.

If left alone in the tank it will grow into "ropes" of
plant many feet in length. It is sold in bunches banded
together.
When you buy a bunch, remove the band, and plant the
individual stems in groups of three. As the stems grow
towards the surface you simply snip the stem at whatever
length you prefer. Many will wait till it reaches
the surface and then snip it in half. Plant the new
"halves" in groups of three in another part of the tank
and the old portion will sprout a new top and continue
to grow toward the surface as if nothing had happened.
Meanwhile, the new parts will grow roots and start on
their way towards the surface.
Under favorable conditions, the stuff will seem to grow
before your eyes.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Anacharis is one of my favorite plants, probably because I've had such good luck with it.

Until recently I've only used it as a floating plant. I literally have a jungle in my 10g Endler's breeding tank. Thick, wonderful green coloring, roots, pieces up to 4 feet long.

It seems quite forgiving, and I'd say trim when it gets to a point that you don't like how it looks. If you want to replant the trimmings though make sure they're long enough to easily replant and get a good start on growing. Also remove any leaves that will be below the substrate.


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Last edited by Theresa_M at 02-Nov-2004 10:03[/font]

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There is water at the bottom of the ocean

Yup, you can trim them to any length you desire. They seem to be hardy plants, and don't mind being cut.
A simple snip with scissors should do the trick, as long as they aren't dirty.

---

And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Best way to cut stem plants is from the bottom... then plant the tops back where they need to be. Otherwise you may remove the growth meristems and it's harded for it to start growing again.

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I usually let them grow until they're nearly 3" long, and then break them apart at the places where the roots and sprouts are. Then I let them float for a few weeks so they grow decently and then I plant them in the substrate. It's worked very well for me... I started with 6 small pieces and now I have over 30 large ones in all of my tanks.

alright, thnx for all your help...this is my first plant I've done, so I'm hoping I'll have good luck, it is in a 2 gallon tank, w/ a 26 watt flourescent screw in bulb

Anacharis was my 1st plant too

26 watts on a 2g is a tad much, but if it's a "daylight" or "sunlight" bulb it should be fine