Clippings

[Mugwump]

How do you get plant trimmings started up growing well?

[Ron Sower]

...assuming you mean stem plant trimmings...I make sure the bottom of the stem is a fresh cut...if it's old I trim it a little bit higher from the original cut...

...also sometimes I leave the "trunk" in the substrate to see if it will grow more branches...If not I pull it...

...next, if it's going in a tank with calm, non-digging fish, I use a pair of long forceps and grab that cut end with them and press it deep into the substrate....one stem at a time about 1/2'' apart to get light to the bottom of their stems...

...if it's going into a tank with fish that will uproot them, I usually group 3 together and wrap lead ribbon at the base and bury it...

...Rotalas, Ludwigias, and others seem to put down strong massive roots as they mature, so I'll put a root tab in the substrate in the middle of them...

...that't what works for me...if anyone else does it differently with success, I'd love to learn about it...

[Mugwump]

..thanks Ron...kinda what were thinking but figured any tips the pros would help...

[Ron Sower]

..thanks Ron...kinda what were thinking but figured any tips the pros would help...

...pro? nah!...but enthusiast!...yes!...You're welcome...!