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Re: Trimming Micranthemum Micranthemoides?



Sylvia:

>I've had this plant for only few months. Somewhere along the line it hit the 
>perfect look. Unfortunately, I let it go wild for longer than I should have. 
>I mowed it down today and it looks awful. It has a tendency to spread 
>horizontally as well as grow vertically,  and while trying to comb through 
>the stems to trim and thin out the patch a bit, entire stems were pulled up, 
>exposing roots, and leaving bald spots. I have it planted along the front, 
>which may not be the best position.

My ans:

I really dig this plant!  Tending it is just like tending a typical
suburban hedge.  Same rules apply in miniature.  The higher you let it
grow, the deeper into the non-leafy "mid-stem" region you'll have to cut.
Just like deep trimming a terrestrial hibiscus hedge.  It will also take
longer to recover BUT will look much finer when it does!

Trimming and replanting the cuttings in those patches you pulled up is
where the 10.5in Aquarium Landscapes tweezers come in.  It was designed for
just that type of task and makes short work of that job.

Sylvia:

>Since this is my first major trimming session with this plant, what I'm 
>wondering is this: (Because I'm noticing it does not look as attractive 
>mid-stem as the tops--hopefully this is due to lack of light and being
choked 
>by spreading). Is this one of those plants you cut and replant the tip?

Ans: 

No!  It will recover no matter where its trimmed.  But, it will recover
faster if trimmed near the top.  I never trim near the top b/c the topiary
shape is maintained longer as a lower trim grows back in.  Unlike a plant
like Ludwigia grandelosia that will die if trimmed far from the top.  

Sylvia:

 >(If 
>this is the case, I think I'll give it up.) Are there any good secrets to 
>growing an attractive hedge?

Ans:

Decide what the maximum height you want your hedge to be and trim a little
below that.  This is a plant best used as a foreground in larger tanks and
as a mid-ground in smaller tanks.  A small tank combo Micranthemum
Micranthemoides with glossostigma in front comes off VERY well.  I've even
at times managed to maintain a "rolling hills" topiary like Amano's
"Rolling Riccia Hedge" w/ this plant with some well placed trimming.  Don't
give up on this plant yet.


Aquatic Landscaping Toolkit:
http://floridadriftwood.com/altoolkit.html