Java fern...

Mating Slinkys

OK, i've just set up me new tank, and i've put in some nice hardy low light plants, including a nice bunch of Java Fern.

The fern is currently planted in the gravel, but i've heard it does better/looks nicer when attatched to bogwood or rocks.

How exactly do i achieve this? Do i wire it on with some fishing twine, or just balance it or what? Also do i need to wrap the roots around whatever i put it on, or will it do it itself?

Cheers for any help, i'm a bit of a newbie with plants (except bloody Wisteria trimming, i have to do that a lot!)

Gump

I've used rubber bands and fishing line both work good but the rubber bands break down and break off after a while but usually after the Java Fern is on. If you plant them in the gravel make sure you keep the green horizonal part above the rocks. if you bury that part the plant will die.

mgamer20o0

i would never use rubber bands. cotton and fish line are the most common. i use fish line.

Falina

Would the cotton thread also disintegrate in time? Like the rubber bands? And would this happen after the plant ahd already attatched?

tophat665

When I set up my Java Fern Tree, I used black cotton thread. This rotted long before the fern was rooted, so I tied it back on, and again found myself fishing floaters out of the tank. At this point, I am using 8 lb test monofilament (fish line) to tie down anything like Java Fern.

jr.masterbreeder

I prefer dark cotton therad!!

jcarter

i would steer clear of cotton thread only because you don't know what chemicals were used to dye it and treat it. fishing line is the safer route.