dividing anubius

[ineke]

I have various anubius/anubias?? that are getting tall and wondered how you divide them I have the tiny ones and bigger ones sorry not a plant person.http://i1293.photobucket.com/albums/b583/ineke24/2013-09-13155804_zpsf52e12ef.jpg' alt='2013-09-13155804_zpsf52e12ef.jpg'>

[JohnH]

Just break/cut the bottom stem bit (there is a proper name for it, but I can't remember) - the bit the roots sprout from. I've read that fresh breaks may have toxins that are harmful to shrimp, so it's best let the break/cut heal before putting in with shrimp.

[ineke]

Thanks John will try on one and see how it goes- and not put it back in the tank for a while

[Squiggle]

I think you're talking about the rhizome. :victorious:

[KillieOrCory]

Hi ineke,

As other have mentioned, you can break the rhizome into 1cm lengths each part will grow new leaves. Rhizome is the thick stem like part the leaves and roots come out of.

[ineke]

Thanks Serkan can the plant be left to grow big or do they get scraggly- is that a word?- tall and untidy? The Anubis nana is ok but although I like the look of the bigger one I wouldn't want it to get "untidy"

[KillieOrCory]

Hi Ineke,

You can do either. The uncut rhizome keep growing as the new leaf appear. As long as all the older leaves are not super crowded they stay on. Though some of the larger varieties end up having only 6 to 8 leaves at the end of the rhizome which in time might make them scraggly lol. If you do not like the look you can either cut the rhizome up to make new plants or you can score the rhizome with a sharp knife every inch or so, which will encourage leaves to grow from the damaged rhizome.

[ineke]

Thanks Serkan I might leave the big one then and see how it goes but will cut a few of the smaller ones to keep them neat and compact.:encouragement:

[Wraithie]

I snip a bit off every so often with scissors to thin the clumps out, either spread it around other tanks or give it away :)

[ineke]

Thanks Wraithie at the moment I'm trying to increase my plants as I plan to setup a big aqua AR 980 as a shrimp community tank so every little plant will help:)

[ninja]

Can anyone verify if its safe to cut Anubis whilst in the tank with shrimp?

[Wraithie]

I must admit I only remember doing it in fish tanks.

Ineke are you after particular plants for your setup?

[KillieOrCory]

Only cut the rhizome in fishtanks as well so can't say anything about its effect on shrimp.

[ninja]

Ok.

[ineke]

I must admit I only remember doing it in fish tanks.

Ineke are you after particular plants for your setup?[/quote

I have read not to cut them in shrimp tanks.

Wraithie not anything in particular. I have a large sword plant with a few runners and want something tall for the background then some type of low growing ground cover. I want an area at the front clear so I can see the shrimp. I'm not very good at landscaping but have a bit of an idea of what I want but not an idea of how to get it to look like I want. If that makes any sense at all lol. The tank is a 200 litre 3 ft long but very wide and deep. I just need to rehome my large angels, clown loaches and various large Corys first.

[ninja]

You live in SA, why not get some Woomera Rock, I love the look of that, wish I could get some.

Hubby is going to Port Lincon for the fishing industry awards finals, but I guess there's there's no lfs's there???

[ineke]

Bit faraway for me to know. Yes I think it might be safer to go and buy a few rocks not worth the risk really.

[2OFUS]

Anubias will release a toxic sap when cut

It's poisonous to even fish but u need a big amount as fish are hardy

It will surely kill shrimp :(

[ineke]

Thanks I thought that may be the case. I guess if I cut it and let it heal then it would be ok.

[2OFUS]

Personally I would let it sit in a bucket for a week or so

besure to change the water often if its in a bucket

[ineke]

Starting to think best left to grow don't really want to take a chance. Just means will have to move it when it gets bigger. I thought there was a way just to tease a new plant from the top. Thanks anyway:)

[BlueBolts]

You live in SA' date=' why not get some Woomera Rock[/quote']

Pretty sure woomera rocks will raise PH & GH...

[MrShrimp]

Starting to think best left to grow don't really want to take a chance. Just means will have to move it when it gets bigger. I thought there was a way just to tease a new plant from the top. Thanks anyway:)

Just take the Anubias and put it in a bucket/container with aquarium water, cut it as much as you like making sure there's some rhizome on each of the cuttings and leave it in the bucket with water for a few minutes to release the toxins and then Give it a little rinse before putting it back in the aquarium. You can't go wrong.

[ninja]

There you go Ineke. You go first and let me know?

[ineke]

Thanks Andrew will give it a go. Ninja I will try it today or tomorrow and let you know. Will put it in with my culls so it won't be quite as painful if they get affected but I fully trust what Andrew says:encouragement: