java fern + nutrient absorbtion

[Atreyu]

I attached bunches of java fern to some lava rocks.The problem is I didn't tie them tight enough Some of them are suspened 1 cm away from the rock (some roots still touching). I know they absorb nutrients from the water column but do they have to always be attached to something ? Do i hav to re-tie them?

 

[msjinkzd]

How they are tied has nothing to do with how they absorb nutrients. They have to be anchored to things because if their rhizome (lateral finger-like structure whic the leaves grow out of) is buried, it rots and the plant dies.

 

[Atreyu]

so if the java fern isn't anchored properly is it going to rot? or will it eventually stabilize?

 

[Ben268]

It'll grow if it's not anchored to anything, it just might not look the nicest. Just, that if for some reason the rhizome gets buried under the substrate, it'll rot.

 

[oOMO3NOo]

actually java ferns get nutrients from there roots so if it is attached to something then its from the water if its in the substrate then it comes from the substrate. the only problem with how you have it set up now is that it will most likly float away from were you want it. but they will grow almost anywere as long as the rhizome has water movement around it. ie not under the substrate or jammed into a tight crack.