A haircut for Dwarf Sag?

[ddavila06]

i have dwarf sag and its rather large...some parts are about 6-10 inches long and i was wondering if is a harcut-safe plant. if i take the scissors and cut the tops off is it going to die off? die and bring back new leaves?? just wondering thanks!

[chris_todd]

Hmmm, me wonders whether that is actually dwarf sag...it's a lot taller than any dwarf sag I've seen, but I've only been doing this two years, so I'm pretty ignorant. Either way, I'm guessing if you trim it, it will probably just look like it got a haircut. Sag (like valisneria) is not like stem plants, who like a haircut. I'd just leave it, unless it's really annoying you.. In which case, cut it and see what happens... I doubt you'd kill it, I've had a hard time killing either sag or val, and believe me, I've tried, LOL.

[DonkeyFish]

Chris is right, not a "haircut" type plant. Though I would be curious to see how it reacts. My guess is the ends would turn yucky brown and slowly die back, like what happens when you trim vals. Or at least when *i* trim vals.

I've found that it will grow taller if it's not getting the right light (can't remember if it's too much or too little though, sorry) or if it's crowded... which looks like might be the case? Maybe try thinning out the stand a little and see if that helps? Of course pull the taller ones out and leave the shorter "babies".

[ricoishere]

Damian,
Seems like your Dwarf Sag is suffering from the same issues mine is currently having: Low Light Syndrome . While mine was in a 28 with a very bright light, it stayed short (3-4"), and I would clip a rebel blade occassionally. Now it's in a bigger tank, light is not as powerful, and it's "REACHING" for the light. I trim it weekly, and it does come back for me. Not saying you'll have the same results (not liable for you kiling it ). Maybe trim a portion, see if it comes back for you. I'll be taking mine out and replacing it in a week or so anyway.

[ddavila06]

is defenitly got to be dwarf sag, i got it cute baby i will cut a little bit and see how it does, if it dies i know i have more...thanks guys! i will post the new cut and updates later

[eleontie]

don't cut it. It will look horrible, the leaves will get brownish at the tip, and will die.

The best you can do is to pull up the longer leaves, hoping the new ones will grow shorter.

[ddavila06]

don't cut it. It will look horrible, the leaves will get brownish at the tip, and will die.

The best you can do is to pull up the longer leaves, hoping the new ones will grow shorter.

just in time!!! im going to start pulling the larger plants and separate some of the smaller ones towards that side instead. thanks for the heads up Eugen

[PaulS]

I have Dwarf Sag too. From my experience, it tends to grow taller when it gets crowded. It will stay shorter by pulling plants and keeping it thinned out. I agree with the others, trimming will just make it look bad.

[ricoishere]

Damian, if you can get past the algae blowing up in the pics (again, results may vary) I trimmed my dwarf sag to 2" after it grew a bit too long. None of it died, but it is thicker. Maybe beginners luck Now, I never let it grow that long. Cut too short, and it might die on you.

[ddavila06]

yes!! thats how i got them Riko, about a year ago...i don't know what went wrong... i will start plucking sooon