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I vote cut and replant. Alternatively you may want to consider some other plants that provide the same function. Valisineria or Sagittaria or Cryptocoryne
A lot of U.S. folks who focus on planted tanks use "Turface" as its cheap, looks sort of natural, and is the "baked clay" discussed above (though will need to do several water changes to get rid of the "dust"). Below is a link to Amazon, but you can probably find it much cheaper at a garden...
In a YouTube video, Wattley discus advises not to feed bloodworms more than once a week as it can lead to hole-in-the-head. Any indication that the same thing happens to apistos?
I think Plan B is ok based on what Mike has suggested in the past on community tanks. Maybe start with Plan B and if you notice one male being overly aggressive than use the divider for that one?
Another concern may be what you are feeding. Though L134 are carnivorous, too much meaty food may lead to bloat issues. This is more of an issue with discus and beef heart.
Welcome from Vienna VA, just outside of DC.
The Potomac Valley Aquarium Society has it's all day auction on April 8, and there may be some apistos available (check back for list of items up for auction): http://pvas.com/Home/ModuleID/1964/ItemID/72/mctl/EventDetails
There's also the Capital...