what plants are easy to trim?

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darkknight
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2024 8:28 am

what plants are easy to trim?

Post by darkknight »

I've been struggling with trimming some of my plants lately. Which ones are the easiest to trim without messing up their growth? My tank's got a mix of Anubias, Java Fern, and some stem plants, but I'm not sure how to handle them.
Murder
Posts: 8
Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2023 2:31 am

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by Murder »

Anubias and Java Fern are super easy to trim. Just cut the leaves at the base if they're yellowing or damaged. For stem plants like Rotala or Ludwigia, you can pinch off the tops and replant the cuttings. They'll grow back bushier.
folkyd
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 7:21 pm

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by folkyd »

Murder wrote: Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:10 am Anubias and Java Fern are super easy to trim. Just cut the leaves at the base if they're yellowing or damaged. For stem plants like Rotala or Ludwigia, you can pinch off the tops and replant the cuttings. They'll grow back bushier.
Yep, totally agree. Stem plants are forgiving as heck. Just make sure your scissors are clean to avoid introducing any nasties.
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Finchley
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 4:16 am

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by Finchley »

I've had good luck with Hornwort. You can pretty much hack it back as much as you want, and it'll keep growing like crazy. Just don't let it take over the tank, lol.
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dawnings
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:19 pm

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by dawnings »

Hornwort's a beast for sure. I'd also throw in Vallisneria. It grows fast, but trimming is simple—just snip the older outer leaves. It's chill and doesn't mind a rough cut.
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Sakuraki
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Joined: Sat Dec 23, 2023 4:33 am

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by Sakuraki »

My Cryptocoryne's been easy to manage. When it gets too tall, I just trim the older leaves near the substrate. New growth pops up quick, and it keeps the plant looking tidy.
oceanix_1
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:12 pm

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by oceanix_1 »

I'm kinda new to this, but my Amazon Swords have been easy to trim. Just cut the big leaves at the base, and they grow back fine. No drama.
keel
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 6:54 pm

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by keel »

What about floating plants like Duckweed? I've heard they're easy to trim, but I'm not sure how to keep them under control.
darkknight
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jun 11, 2024 8:28 am

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by darkknight »

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll start with the Anubias and Java Fern and see how it goes.
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Sampson
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Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2022 8:54 pm

Re: what plants are easy to trim?

Post by Sampson »

Duckweed's easy to trim—just scoop out what you don't want. But good luck keeping it under control, haha. That stuff spreads like wildfire.
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