Question on Trimming and Splitting anubias nana. and other rhizome plants

[coach_z]

i have two leaves on my anubias nana that have formed small holes in them, and i would like to trim them off.

For this rhizome plant do i trim at the leaf base, in the middle of the stalk, or trim flush with the rhizome?

Also, while i am at it, my anubias nana is getting rather large with an immense root system. the rhizome is about 2.5" and i was wondering how to split a rhizome? just cut it in 1/2 with a razor or knife? Is there a recommended length to keep the rhizome at?

will the cut/split rhizome encourange more or faster (well, as fast as an anubias can go) growth?

Furthermore, my anubias only grows in one direction (lets call that, the right). Will trimming the left side of the rhizome encourage growth and have the anubias grow to the left (bidirectional growth)?

thanks in advance!
-chris

 

[Kashta]

i have two leaves on my anubias nana that have formed small holes in them, and i would like to trim them off.

For this rhizome plant do i trim at the leaf base, in the middle of the stalk, or trim flush with the rhizome?

Yes.. trim off any damage all the way down.. flush with the rhizome.

Also, while i am at it, my anubias nana is getting rather large with an immense root system. the rhizome is about 2.5" and i was wondering how to split a rhizome? just cut it in 1/2 with a razor or knife? Is there a recommended length to keep the rhizome at?

When mine get big, I usually cut them in half... leaving a few leaves on both pieces.

will the cut/split rhizome encourange more or faster (well, as fast as an anubias can go) growth?

Furthermore, my anubias only grows in one direction (lets call that, the right). Will trimming the left side of the rhizome encourage growth and have the anubias grow to the left (bidirectional growth)?

Splitting the rhizome will stimulate new growth on both separate pieces. I'm not sure that it will spur new growth in the other direction, but it will encourage it to branch out even more with new shoots. Those have shown up on mine over at the end where it wasn't growing new leaves before.

 

[timwag2001]

i haven't done it yet but i think you have to split the rhizome diagnally.

when my nana was growing i uprooted it and planted it in another spot in my tank and it stunted the new growth at one end of the rhizome and it sprouted at the other end.

 

[Kashta]

I'd rather suggest a straight cut as opposed to a diagonal one. You want to minimize the cut area for it to seal quickly, not elongate it.

 

[timwag2001]

i just read in another forum that if you cut tiny little slits in the rhizome it will promote growth in that area. just not to go overboard and damage the rhizome too much.

 

[dundadundun]

i just read in another forum that if you cut tiny little slits in the rhizome it will promote growth in that area. just not to go overboard and damage the rhizome too much.

yes... i looked into njagc (new jersey aquatic gardeners club) a while back. they had a few pics and vids from some of their meets online. one member who likes to keep anubias and rcs? did one of the videos. he mentioned this same trick and i've tried it and it works. the one thing i've noticed is that (in my case) the new growth is real reluctant to keep up with naturally occuring growth, but does not impeded it in any way.

 

[Fordtrannyman]

i have two leaves on my anubias nana that have formed small holes in them, and i would like to trim them off.

For this rhizome plant do i trim at the leaf base, in the middle of the stalk, or trim flush with the rhizome?

Also, while i am at it, my anubias nana is getting rather large with an immense root system. the rhizome is about 2.5" and i was wondering how to split a rhizome? just cut it in 1/2 with a razor or knife? Is there a recommended length to keep the rhizome at?

will the cut/split rhizome encourange more or faster (well, as fast as an anubias can go) growth?

Furthermore, my anubias only grows in one direction (lets call that, the right). Will trimming the left side of the rhizome encourage growth and have the anubias grow to the left (bidirectional growth)?

thanks in advance!
-chris

Hey Coach, Kashta pretty much hit all the necessary points for ya. I would like to add that it's a good idea to cut the rhizome with something sharp and under the surface of water to help aid its' recovery.

 

[DavidZ]

What happens when the rhizome turns brown and soft?

 

[bradlgt21]

I think it just means it's old. I cut mine in half and the earliest growth had leaves with holes and brown rhizome but it started growing new shoots the other day. Not as fast as the new plant I clipped from it but more then it was doing before.

 

[DavidZ]

I see, so I should snip it, sorry to jump in the post