do you have to tie java fern to a driftwood or rock?

[lamthuyduong]

Do you really have to tie the java fern to a piece of driftwood or rock. Can you let it sit on top of the substrate? I just bought a java fern and right now, it's sitting on top of my substrate. It's doesn't float to the top. Is this okay?

 

[Guest]

You can let them sit on the substrate. But once you let it sit there for say six months or so you will have a huge surprise coming if you move it.

 

[TankGirl]

Yep- it'll latch onto every bit of gravel there and will pull up a wad about the same size as the plant itself. It's just tidier to tie it to an object - a rock, driftwood, a cheezy PetsMart ornament, whatever. Just don't bury it and the plant will be fine.

 

[Mr Burns]

haha...funny store: the 'blob' of java fern that's currently recovering in my new 10gal was brought from a local store that simply stuck it in the substrate. every now and then i'll still get a piece of their rust/red colored gravel to fall off the java fern roots and onto the eco-complete...and i got the plant 6 months ago!