Attaching java fern to driftwood

[JML1997]

I saw a video saying to attach java fern with an elastic to the wood, and leave the elastics there for a week or two, then remove the elastics, and the plants will stay attached. Here are some pics. Just want to make sure I'm doing it right, or if this method will even work.


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[Mount_Prion]

Those ferns won't stick like that, like the last picture for example.

The ferns don't really grow deep root systems, more of a root mat. That can grow into a rough porous surface, but won't really grow sideways out of the fern.

It could eventually attach itself, but I'd expect it would take more than two weeks, and the bond won't be terribly strong (as in, a big fish could easily dislodge it).

I'd recommend high quality fishing line. Just tie it up and leave it there, eventually the ferns will grow around it and connect to whatever porous surface they're on top of.

 

[kissofcrimson]

Java should take root fairly quick, so yeah it should work. I stood mine up though, instead of laying them down. What plant is that floating on the top of your tank?

 

[JML1997]

Those ferns won't stick like that, like the last picture for example.

The ferns don't really grow deep root systems, more of a root mat. That can grow into a rough porous surface, but won't really grow sideways out of the fern.

It could eventually attach itself, but I'd expect it would take more than two weeks, and the bond won't be terribly strong (as in, a big fish could easily dislodge it).

I'd recommend high quality fishing line. Just tie it up and leave it there, eventually the ferns will grow around it and connect to whatever porous surface they're on top of.

Ok, What if I just stuck them in the substrate?

 

[JML1997]

Java should take root fairly quick, so yeah it should work. I stood mine up though, instead of laying them down. What plant is that floating on the top of your tank?

I have no idea, lol. I'll get a picture.

 

[JML1997]

Pic of floating plant


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[Mount_Prion]

Attach to a fairly porous rock and bury that in the dirt under them. But make sure the root mat of the java fern is not below the substrate. Slate rock is good because it's flat so you can sort of give the illusion of the fern mat just growing out of the substrate.

I tend to plant larger mats than individual leaf clusters, also. The ferns reproduce by spores that just sort of grow off everywhere. So you'll see new fresh leaves growing off the tips of dead leaves of old ferns, etc. Usually for me, I consider a fern fully rooted when it's started growing offshoots on itself and its surroundings.

 

[JML1997]

Attach to a fairly porous rock and bury that in the dirt under them. But make sure the root mat of the java fern is not below the substrate. Slate rock is good because it's flat so you can sort of give the illusion of the fern mat just growing out of the substrate.

I tend to plant larger mats than individual leaf clusters, also. The ferns reproduce by spores that just sort of grow off everywhere. So you'll see new fresh leaves growing off the tips of dead leaves of old ferns, etc. Usually for me, I consider a fern fully rooted when it's started growing offshoots on itself and its surroundings.

But I can't just stick it in the substrate?