Moving anchored java fern?

[invadertoast]

I have a clump of java fern that's been growing on top of a fake tree stump for over a year. They started off as a tiny baby plant that attached itself, the mother plant was growing from the substrate next to the stump. Now it's a fairly large plant and I'd like to try to save it. This past month I've had two cories with injuries (one didn't make it, just discovered the new injured one when I got back from vacation last night) and I'm thinking they might be getting stuck inside said stump. Does anyone know what I should do to go about removing the java fern without destroying it? It's pretty much wrapped itself along the top of the stump... I'll take a picture later, my camera is at work.

[rich311k]

You can just pull it off. It may break into a couple of peices but they will all be viable plants.

[Lady Hobbs]

Agree. Just pull it. Those little roots give way to be reattached somewhere else.

[DrNic]

I wouldn't pull too hard. If the leaves come off the roots it will hurt the plant overall. I think you're better off trying to peel the roots off the stump. With java fern roots tend to recover quicker than the leaves will.

is it broadleaf or narrowleaf fern?

[invadertoast]

Thanks guys, it's actually Windelov (lace?) java fern. I probably won't try this 'til the weekend when I'll have time to move everything around. Also, my mother might need some time to get used to the idea (she LOVES the stump, I'm tired of looking at it) Please pardon my dying sword in the background, it was neglected while I was away and now barely has anything left to it, lol. My anubias are kind of attached but I'm not really worried about those as the rhizomes are pretty much free floating.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/invadertoast/IMG_5417.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/invadertoast/IMG_5415.jpg

[DrNic]

yeah I wouldn't pull that by the leaves, odds are they would just pop right. You'll be better carefully trying to peel off the leaves.

If you have ANY extras drop me a line. I would LOVE to try putting some of my tank.

[Lady Hobbs]

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_2_1.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNman000) LOL Gez Nic. I didn't say grab it by the leaves and give it a yank! I assumed he'd pull it carefully at the base.

[lowlight]

Yes, pull it or pry it off at the base and just reattach it, if it breaks off into more than one piece each piece becomes a new plant. Thats what I like about these plants.