Cutting roots on floating plants

[420benz]

The plants are in a 10" dia. Floating ring. Should i cut it back?

 

[Lisak1]

Should you cut what back?

 

[420benz]

Cutting roots on floating plants

 

[Tula]

I wouldn't, I think they help filter the water. If you have fish in your pond, they may "trim" them for you.

 

[420benz]

Ok thanks

 

[JBtheExplorer]

I'd think the more roots the better.

 

[Ronfire]

Wish I could grow them.

 

[Lisak1]

Here's my two cents on this one - I routinely cut the roots off my floating plants. I find it actually encourages growth. Now I don't mean cut them off to the quick - like my fish like to do on occasion. I just tear off about 2/3 of the length and toss them back in the pond. My theory - and I might be all wet on this one - is that, as they regrow those roots, they will be pulling more nutrients out of the pond. Again, just a theory, but I've been doing it for years and my hyacinths are always gigantic!

 

[Mmathis]

@Lisak1 I’m so glad you said that, because I do the same thing! Well, used to do the same thing. I think it helped.

 

[Lisak1]

The first time we bought floating hyacinth, the woman helping me choose some good ones plucked them out of the tank, ripped the roots off, and put them in a bag. I figured she knew what she was doing and I've done it ever since!

 

[poconojoe]

This is new to me. Maybe I'll try it.
Lately, the past few years, my floating plants haven't done that well. They used to completely cover the pond and I would have to remove a bunch of them.
I just figured they weren't good varieties as the years before.
What kind of fertilizer can I use on water hyacinths and water lettuce? I can setup a small container as suggested.

 

[Lisak1]

I’ve just used miracle gro - dissolve it in the water and float the plants for a day or two.

 

[poconojoe]

I’ve just used miracle gro - dissolve it in the water and float the plants for a day or two.

Thanks