I've tied down java fern and anubias to rocks and wood. My question is when they say it's attached that that just means it's tied down or that the roots themselves have buried into the rock or wood, so it's actually connected to it. If it's the latter, is there any trick to encourage this process?
Can someone clarify what is meant by attached to driftwood?
- Thread starter Bravofleet4
- Start date
Well, attached could mean both naturally or with string/wiring. Anubias, java ferns, and mosses will eventually attach themselves naturally to driftwood but it will definitely take time. I don't believe there's any particular method to quicken the process. Perhaps fertilizing and Co2? Maybe the encouragement of growth would promote new roots = roots grown onto the driftwood?
I use a stapler to attach needle leaf java fern to driftwood.
After a few months, the stapler rusts away.
Charles
After a few months, the stapler rusts away.
Charles
The roots/rhizome will attach the plant to the surface. They grow into the texture of the surface. Mosses do the same thing, although it is the "stem" (or maybe the tiny leaves, I can't remember) of the plant that is attached to the surface; there are no roots
I've glued (with Crazy Glue type) anubias to my driftwood many times. I glue the rhizome, not the roots, and both the plant and the wood have to be dry. Works great!
katana1200
Unhealthy obsession?
I have also heard of lightly trimming the roots of the rhizome, specifically the roots that do not look bright and healthy. Slight trimming of plant roots can encourage new root growth and I believe its the little spiderweb-thin roots that really get ahold of the object in question. Don't get too carried away, we're not talking military cut here, just a little off the bottom.