how do you trim Java ferns?

[NewObsession]

the Java fern in my planted tank has gotten huge and is tanking over an entire end of the tank. I was just wondering if it's possible to trim? Stem plants are easy enough to cut off and I know I can trim the moss, but is there a method to trimming ferns?

 

[Star_Rider]

you can trim the rhizome. this will remove the lateral growth..you can move that to other tanks or locations in the tank.


I have a ton of java ferns(different ones too)

 

[Mgamer20o0]

yes trim at the base its best to make sure each rhizome has 4-5 leafs. this way you can remove and transplant some of the bigger ones or sell them like star_rider said.

 

[NeonFlux]

Interesting, I dont know how to trim too, now I know

 

[NewObsession]

This is the beast I'm referring to..

 

[Squawkbert]

Nice one! - Nice, big Java fern chunks are very popular among AC plant buyers.

 

[NewObsession]

Nice one! - Nice, big Java fern chunks are very popular among AC plant buyers.

There's another one on the other saide of the tank too, jsut not as big.
For the record the pic was taken after I had trimmed 10-15 "baby ferns" from the leaves of both. I tossed them into my "holding tank" until I figure out what to do with them. I know java fern usually grows on rocks or wood, but if left basically floating will they still develop?

This is the other one plus a complete tank shot..

 

[KarlTh]

When they just get too huge, haul them out, pull the plantlets off (there'll be loads usually) and chuck the monster. Then retie the plantlets to the rock or wood and start afresh.