Trimming plants.

[Marinemom]

O.K. so I have this one plant that I am unsure of how to trim it without killing it. It is way too pretty and I want it to do well.The plant is called red temple or Alentheria rennieki(sp). It has almost reached the surface of the water in my 25 gallon planted tank and it is growing fast. I don't want anything bad to happen to it. Plese help!

Marinemom

 

[kjf91004]

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...s.php?id=58&category=genus&spec=Alternanthera

I think that should answer your question. It says to nip off the terminal bud to propogate. I think if you did that to trim, and then if you planted the tip in the soil you could have another plant.

I guess if you wanted "prettier" plants, you could just whack it off at the desired height and plant that. I would, however, try the gentle approach first just to see how the plant fares.

 

[cyborob]

This is my best growing most colorful red plant (found it at WalMart last summer, lol).
I just find a spot about half way down with some roots and cut below that, replant and it's off to the races again.

I am up to 7 or 8 of these now in my 36 gal tank, and have two of these cuttings doing well in my 10 gal @ 2.6 watts per gallon too!

 

[fresh_newby]

That is the beauty of stem plants. You can just pinch them off with your thumb and index finger and stick the top in the substrate...and voila...you have a new plant growing.

 

[Lucas Kane]

Awesome lol that answers my question and prolly any more i will have for live plants heh thank you all

 

[Marinemom]

Thanks so much for the answers. I will try just pinching it off and replanting it and see how it does. I really like this plant because it grows well at only 2.8 watts of light and keeps its nice bright red color.

Marinemom