Hemianthus micranthemoides

[Superman]

Whats the best way to create a bush type effect with the above plant? I'd like nice compact leaves too.
I planted it in single stems but am wondering if I should of put a few stems all together?

 

[Themuleous]

I would do it the same way you do any stems, plant it dense, then give it a good hair cut once its established, it should grow back even denser, but you'll have to keep on top of it, it does get that leggy look pretty quickly.

Sam

 

[aaronnorth]

i planted mine in single stems, then waited until it reached the surface and trimmed. I doubt it would of got past 30cm anyway so if it gets to that height then give it a trim.

 

[Mark Evans]

i'd plant in bunches of 3 or 4 stems.

trimming when it gets to the top of the tank is a guideline. what happens if your tank is 80cm?......it's a small stem so treat it as such, imagine it in a 30cm tank, even if your tank is taller.

 

[aaronnorth]

i'd plant in bunches of 3 or 4 stems.

trimming when it gets to the top of the tank is a guideline. what happens if your tank is 80cm?......it's a small stem so treat it as such, imagine it in a 30cm tank, even if your tank is taller.

it started to get a bit straggley in my tank, and that was 30cm (actually less considering water line & substrate depth)

 

[Mark Evans]

it started to get a bit straggley in my tank, and that was 30cm (actually less considering water line & substrate depth)

and for this reason, placing stems strategicly behind hardscape and such is crucial when deciding on a trimming height.

 

[aaronnorth]

it started to get a bit straggley in my tank, and that was 30cm (actually less considering water line & substrate depth)

and for this reason, placing stems strategicly behind hardscape and such is crucial when deciding on a trimming height.

and depth of the stems, i only left about 3" and it caused me loads of problems you live & learn...

 

[TDI-line]

I used to plant in 5 stems, and would also remove the whole stem and cut to the desired length, and then replant when they got too long.

 

[Mark Evans]

remove the whole stem and cut to the desired length, and then replant when they got too long.

that works i guess but to get a bush, i'd trim and leave the bottom bit in. a lot less hassle to

 

[Superman]

Thanks for the advice.

When I initially plant how long should the stems be? Should I cut it short to encourage new growth?

My current stems don't seem to be coping well and wonder if I should trim them and start all over?