Rhizomes in Java Fern (Black Forest)

[mikewxyz]

I have Java Fern (variety Black Forest) as part of my aquascape plant collection. It has lived up to its reputation as an easy to grow plant, which I’m thankful for. My question relates to aesthetics. The rhizomes are coming from the base as well as the top of the frond. The rhizomes and subsequent growth coming from the fronds make the plant look congested and ugly, IMO. See photo.

Do I need to “prune” the fronds to achieve the look of a land fern or is this a passing phase? Any insight is appreciated.

 

[MichaelJ]

I assume you are referring to the growth of small ferns from the leaves of the "mother" plant... Yes, that used to bug me as well.... What I do is just remove them along the way... some I would replant, some I would toss. It makes the "mother" plant looks better and grow bigger and healthier in my experience.

Cheers,
Michael

 

[Hufsa]

It might be useful to note that if the mother plant keeps making a lot of babies, its possible that the mother plant is not entirely happy with the growing conditions.
A few leaves with baby plants here and there is normal, but if, lets say 1/3rd to 2/3rds of the mother plant is trying to make offspring, then I would look closer at the growing conditions, making sure it gets enough fertilizer that contains all the necessary nutrients 🙂 One of the ways plants survive suboptimal conditions is to make babies that they hope will end up in a better place than they currently are.

For now you could just remove the leaves that have the babies on them, its best to cut the leaf as close to the base of the plant as you can. The leaves with the babies can be fastened carefully somewhere else, and will turn into big plants in time
Your plant looks like it might be a recent addition (?) so I would give it time to settle. Most java ferns are grown above water by the plant nursery, and need to transition a bit after being put in our tanks.

 

[mikewxyz]

Thanks for the insight Hufsa

 

[andy198712]

I just gently pull mine off the leaf when they are small if I don’t want them there