Will my Java Fern attach to these rocks.

[bzc]

I was wondering if the river rocks that I have in my tank will accommodate Java Fern.

I took the plantletsconfused from a larger plant about three weeks ago but none of the roots seem to have taken hold. Or do they ever? Thanks for any tips or input.
Ben

 

[park83]

They may not... but your best bet is probably to wedge the plant in between the creases in the rock pile.

 

[cellodaisy]

It would take a while for them to latch on to a surface like that, if they ever did. I'd recommend superglue. Worked really well for me with java fern and very similar rocks. I'll try to snap a pic this evening.

 

[jpappy789]

:iagree:

They attach better when given a crevice to attach to IME.

 

[dundadundun]

if they're healthy, heck yeah. stuff their roots in crevices starting at the bottom of where you want them as plantlets. tie larger leafs/plants to the rock itself or in between the plantlets as they mature. just remember work from the bottom up cause they'll grow towards the light.

 

[cellodaisy]

Java ferns superglued to river rocks, comin' right up! (Otos and endlers not included. )






That mess in the upper left is a bunch of java ferns that I haven't glued down yet.

 

[bzc]

Thanks for the replies.
dundadundun (dunnnnnnn),
When you say wedge them between the rocks, how concerned do I have to be about damaging the roots?
Miss Daisy,
Are you gluing the roots or the leaves? Does the superglue set fairly quick on damp rock or do you dry it out first?
Sorry for all the questions, but I hate to abuse these Ferns any more. This morning I caught them trying to march out of the tank like an army of Ents straight out of LotR.
Thanks,
Ben

 

[cellodaisy]

Miss Daisy,
Are you gluing the roots or the leaves? Does the superglue set fairly quick on damp rock or do you dry it out first?
Sorry for all the questions, but I hate to abuse these Ferns any more. This morning I caught them trying to march out of the tank like an army of Ents straight out of LotR.
Thanks,
Ben

Here's what I did:

1. pull the ferns out of the tank
2. gently pat them dry with a paper towel so they are just barely damp
3. do the same with the rocks (though you don't have to worry so much about being gentle with those )
4. set a rock in front of you
5. pick out a fern
6. bunch the stems together and hold it by the stems (not the rhizome! you'll get glue all over your hands if you do that)
7. squeeze a nice bead of superglue along the rhizome
8. quickly but gently press it into place on the rock and hold very, very still for at least 30 seconds
9. let it sit out for a minute or so
10. put it in the tank
11. enjoy

 

[dundadundun]

Thanks for the replies.
dundadundun (dunnnnnnn),
When you say wedge them between the rocks, how concerned do I have to be about damaging the roots?
Miss Daisy,
Are you gluing the roots or the leaves? Does the superglue set fairly quick on damp rock or do you dry it out first?
Sorry for all the questions, but I hate to abuse these Ferns any more. This morning I caught them trying to march out of the tank like an army of Ents straight out of LotR.
Thanks,
Ben

roots, not really a concern... rhizome, different story. if you're truly concerned just attach them with string or cellodaisys super glue. (btw, all proceeds from sales of superglue go a/c mods and are used to purchase guppies and mass produce them to rid the world of hunger :grinno

one plantlet made all this...


notice, it's attached to river rock... straight from my local river.

 

[londonloco]

Wow, beautiful Windelov. But, eventually will the fern eventually attach itself to the rocks, or as it grows will you have to keep super gluing it to the rock? I've never had fern attach itself to a rock, not saying it shouldn't, just saying I've never had it happen. Also, are you using gel superglue?