Java fern young

[Aquaticfrog32]

When I first bought my 2 Java ferns, I noticed that they had small Java ferns attached to them. That is obviously there way of reproduction, I thought. But now, I have LOTS of them hanging off the ends of my java fern leaves. I have a Nano tank now, and am interested In maybe moving one or two into the nano, to reduce the nitrates ( even though I already have a small cryptocoryne in there )And give it a more planted look. I like planting my tanks. I know these would get too big, but I would take them out when they get too large, and put them in my 20 gallon. Is there any way I can detach the baby java ferns from the large ones without cutting it off? Or will they come off on there own? Is this a bad idea? Will it hurt the plant?

Thanks!

 

[tanker]

When they get big enough, I would just "nip" them off and attach them to other rocks or branches

 

[FreshyFresh]

Eventually they fall off by themselves, or you could snip or carefully pull them off like Tanker said.

 

[fishorama]

Yea, if you can gently "tickle" them loose, they're good to go. They might be very slow growing in your other tank...but that's to the good in a small tank.

 

[Aquaticfrog32]

Yeah, I was just considering it though I should know how to take them off. I have one with 2 Inch leaves that seems very happy. So maybe I'll just leave them where they are.
Thank you.

 

[fishorama]

2 inches & it should be good to move, don't be scared of moving 1, they're quite sturdy!

 

[Aquaticfrog32]

So should I just, um, pull them off? Gently?

 

[tanker]

So should I just, um, pull them off? Gently?

Yes, or even if you "pinch" off too much of the mother plant it is OK.

 

[fishorama]

^^yes, this, gently if you can but javas are quite hardy, don't sweat it, just do it. It'll be fine

 

[Aquaticfrog32]

Ok, I was just gently poking at it to see how easily it would come off, and with the slightest touch, it fell off! I bet that it was going fall off any day now, anyway.