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what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 5:26 am
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:10 am
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 7:54 am
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 9:17 am
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 10:21 am
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 12:07 pm
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 12:44 pm
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 1:45 pm
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.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 3:00 pm
by darkknight
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll start with the Anubias and Java Fern and see how it goes.
Re: what plants are easy to trim?
Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2025 5:00 pm
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.