why do my stem plants look leggy?

[reelpro]

My stem plants are looking super leggy lately, like they're stretching for the light. I've got a 20 gallon tank with a Finnex Planted+ light running 8 hours a day. Substrate is Fluval Stratum, and I dose Easy Green once a week. Water params are good, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, 10 nitrate. Any ideas why they're not filling out?

[finley22]

Leggy growth usually means they're not getting enough light or nutrients. Your nitrates are on the low side for stem plants, they might need more. Try upping your Easy Green to twice a week and see if that helps. Also, how old is your light? LEDs lose intensity over time.

[fairbrook]

Yep, sounds like a light issue to me. That Finnex is decent but might not be cutting it for stems if they're reaching. You could try lowering the light a bit or adding a second one. What kinda stems are we talking? Some are way more demanding than others.

[reelpro]

Leggy growth usually means they're not getting enough light or nutrients. Your nitrates are on the low side for stem plants, they might need more. Try upping your Easy Green to twice a week and see if that helps. Also, how old is your light? LEDs lose intensity over time.

Good point on the light age, it's about 2 years old. I'll try bumping up the ferts and see what happens.

[finley22]

At 2 years, your light's probably lost some punch. I'd start budgeting for a replacement if bumping ferts doesn't help within a month. Stem plants like Rotala or Ludwigia can get leggy fast when they're not happy.

[fairbrook]

For real, my Ludwigia did the same thing till I switched to a stronger light. Now it's bushy as heck. You could also try trimming the tops and replanting, that'll force bushier growth down low. Just don't go hacking more than a third at once.

[finley22]

For real, my Ludwigia did the same thing till I switched to a stronger light. Now it's bushy as heck. You could also try trimming the tops and replanting, that'll force bushier growth down low. Just don't go hacking more than a third at once.

Exactly this. Propagation is your friend with stems. Every trim is a chance for more plants and denser growth.