Question about pruning Ozelot Sword

[vdub]

Recently, I aquired a very large Ozelot sword. It's got a good root system with a lot of leaves. I want to prune the plant down to a smaller size. If I cut the leaves horizontally down to about 3 inches will the plant die? Can I seperate the plant by pulling the crown apart yet keeping a few leaves attached to that specific crown portion?

If I've done something wrong please correct me with the right method.

[jewels]

Heavy root feeders such as swords can be propagated by vertical division. Use a sharp knife to minimize tissue damage. Trim all roots back to within a couple inches and remove fully grown leaves. Because of its sensitivityy @ this point postpone fertilization for a week or two.

Just my personal opinion here but , , , don't bury this thing to far in the substrate. Idealy there should still be rootmatter exposed when complete.

[vdub]

Is it ok if I cut all the leaves off and leave just the crown and a couple inches of roots? Or will the plant totally die at that point? The sword is just riduculus at this point and I really need to trim it down.

[fishclubgirl]

I've had a few amazon swords that got big. Rather than get rid of them, I took off lots of leaves and trimmed back their roots. Worked great for me. I do have a big ozelot but am trying to empty out a bigger tank for it.

[vdub]

Well, I've done it. I've chopped down my ocelot sword until there was basically only one small leaf left, a crown and 2 inches of roots. Lets hope it survives.

[CACAdmin]

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that it does.

[vdub]

It looks ok boys and girls. After about a day, I can see one small tiny leaf sprouting out of the crown.

[CACAdmin]

Great news!