The water plants must be pruned periodically so that the aquarium will always looks nice. The important things that should be known for the beginner related to the aquarium plants pruning is the pruning effects it self. As the number of plants decreased after pruned, then the water parameters should be adjusted as well. If this was ignored, moss and algae can grow after plants pruning.
Some of the adjustments that need to be carried out include:
- Reducing the dose of liquid fertilizer
- Reducing the dose of carbon dioxide
- Increase the frequency of water replacement
The Woodbine types such as Echinodorus tenellus, Glossostigma elatinoides, Vallisneria and Sagittaria, if left grow without pruning would overcrowd the aquarium. Therefore, it should be reduced the number of leaves. In the Vallisneria and Sagittaria species, the growth of new leaves will be accompanied also by an old rotten leaves, so that rejuvenation can be done by removing the old leaves. While the types Glossostigma elatinoides and Echinodorus tenellus, when the higher leaves are growing, then the leaves underneath it were going to die because of lack of light. The pruning of these water plants can be done by cutting the leaves at the top.
The Riccia types, if the growth of Riccia is excessive then the leaves at the bottom will have a light deprivation and decay. As a result the Riccia will regardless of the bond and floating at the water surface. Therefore, the pruning of this aquarium plants should be done regularly for all the parts get enough light.
Types of Anubias have a slowly growth and practically will not change the original plants layout. Because of the slow growth then the Anubias type was easily attacked by moss and algae problems. If the Blue Algae or the type of Red Algae such as Beard Algae seemed to grow, the leaves of Anubias sometimes forced to be cut and the new leaves will grow back.
The type of exotic water plant aquarium such as Anubias plants native from Cameroon, West Africa. This plant is easily found in forest areas or along rivers. In its habitat, Anubias are amphibious plants that grow well in high humidity.
Types of Nymphaea lotus have a wide leaves and can grow to the surface of the water. If this resulted in other plants (which is below) the lack of light, cut the stem before reaching the water surface, and new leaves will grow back. The Nymphaea plant species require a strong light intensity and enough fertilizer in the sand media.
The Fern types such as Microsorium and Bolbitis, if it is compatible with the environmental conditions they will grow rapidly and change the original plant layout and composition. The leaves of this plant can be rejuvenated when it is too big or old.
Like land plants, aquarium plants need to be pruned and thinned on a regular basis. The aquarium plants that grow healthy and fertile in the aquarium if allowed to continue over time will make the aquarium cramped, so it looks less tidy.