I want to keep java ferns short.

[jschall]

I bought some java ferns for my 3 gallon tank, as a background. One of them is already almost too tall for the tank (it came like that.) Should I just cut its biggest leaves off?

Is there maybe a better choice? The tank has a 9w t5 over it, which is positioned at the front of the tank (the back of the tank is slightly shadier.)

 

[XMAN]

I think you would be better off to remove the longest leaves at the stem and leave the smaller leaves alone. You don't want to cut the leaves. As long as the roots and some leaves are intact it should still grow.

 

[Gbbudd]

You CAN reshape leaves buy cutting them down to desired size. you can cut the stem of only the larger leaves to have a more manicured pitch in viewing. It's al in how much work you want to do. I have cut dwarf saw grass to a half inch to achieve the lawn i wanted. people love the look of a manicured lawn weather it's in the front of your home or in the tank. let your lawn grown without attention for a month or two how does it look ? I THINK YOU GET THE IDEA.

 

[nden]

If you do cut off the larger leaf at the stem, will the leaf still grow back tall?

 

[FISHSHROD]

See if you can find the product called Miracle Grow Less .