I have now some experience in emersed growing, but... can someone please explain to me the procces of transformation from emersed to submerged. Is it true that the plant loses its leaves during that time, or melt away? For example, if the plant loses its leaves, or starts to melt; how do you know that it's not a sick plant? Or will only transform the shape of the leafs itself? If this happens what to do with the old leaves. Is it ok to cut away those leaves? Or is it just that only the new submersed leaf wil change his shape? What should you do with the old stem; must I prune the plant? I find it very complicated. Maybe there is someone who knows a good article on this, so I can study it? thanks in advance Menky
This does not have a simple answer. Some species of plant will make a totally different leaf, such hyrgophilia difformis, but many just make a new leaf. It is my understanding that the leaf grown emersed does not survive the process of changing to submerged, but I think again it really matters what the species of plant is and also I think the circumstances of it's emersed growth. For example, an emerse growth leaf that was in an extremely humid environment or that was subjected to some perios of being dunked or completely wetted might not lose as many leaves. Crypts seem to really melt when going from one to the other. Swords do not seem to have as extreme a reaction. I have usually just cut away leaves that were emersed grown when the submerged leaves start coming in.
That will be the 1st one I'll keep in mind. Thanks Scott, hope there will be more 'tips and trics' to follow
Hi Keith, yes, that's what I have found out in my previous setup But some tips and trics give me a guidance and a good direction to follow
Menky You learn very little if there is no challenge. That is the main reason when starting out begin something very simple and learn as you go, by doing that you have a little knowledge to take you to the next step. Keith
If it would not be complicated, it would be boring Menky Just learn by "trial and error" and soon you will work by instinct with your plants. You will be able to "see and sense" your plant's condition. If the leaves melt, remove the melted ones carefully - very soon the plants will start to grow again, if they are healthy. Kind regards Ev
Menky Crypts are a well known melter but using a few simple tricks it can be greatly reduced, this is what I worked out. After buying new Crypts I would trim all the roots by at least 50%, trim all damaged or old leaves then let them float for several weeks or when the new roots and new leaves start growing, the leaves will all curl under but not a problem. When ready to plant, some plants will not be ready just plant them when they are ready. As soon as planted each plant was fed with a Seachem Fert Tab. All I know it works and that is enough for me. Keith
thanks Ev and Keith; this kind of information very useful for me, appreciate it I'm aware that I must learn by trial and error. Because I also know that when I find a path with no obstacles, it probably leads to nowhere But; a little push in the right direction makes it all a little bit easier for a aquarium noob like me...
Menky With high quality forums like GBG all you have to do is just ask the correct questions. When you become experienced then you can start experimenting with DIY. Keith