Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Background

Due to its extremely rapid vertical growth, it should be placed firmly in the background. It is an excellent choice for beginners to fill empty space and provide immediate hiding spots for fry and shrimp. If left floating, it creates a dense surface canopy that can shade out other plants.

Botanical form

Stem

It exhibits a classic aquatic stem structure with densely packed, elongated green leaves arranged in whorls around the main stem. The plant is highly buoyant and extends straight up towards the light. Its stems can grow several feet long if left unpruned.

Growth

Fast

It has an explosively fast growth rate, often growing an inch or more per day under strong light. This makes it fantastic for quickly establishing biological balance in new aquariums. Frequent and aggressive pruning is required to prevent it from overtaking the entire tank.

Substrate

None

It is highly versatile and can be planted in virtually any substrate, from plain gravel to rich aquasoils. It can also be grown completely unrooted, left to float freely in the water column. When planted, it develops fine white roots simply to anchor itself in place.

Column fertilization

Recommended

It absorbs nutrients almost entirely through its leaves and stems directly from the water column. Dosing a comprehensive liquid fertilizer promotes lush, bright green growth and thick stems. It is highly effective at utilizing whatever nutrients are present in the water.

Root fertilization

None

Root fertilization is generally not required for this species. While it does produce roots when planted, they serve primarily as holdfasts rather than primary nutrient uptake organs. It will grow vigorously even in completely inert substrates without root tabs.

Trimming

Occasional

Maintenance requires regularly topping the plant by cutting the upper portion of the stem and replanting it in the substrate. The lower rooted portion will eventually send out side shoots, creating a bushier appearance. Leaving it untrimmed will result in the stems sprawling across the surface and blocking light.

Propagation

Cuttings, Fragmentation

Propagation is as simple as cutting the stem. Any cut fragment containing a few leaves can be replanted in the substrate or left to float, and it will quickly grow into a new plant. The original bottom half of the cut stem will sprout multiple new side shoots.

Sensitivity

Moderate

It is notably sensitive to liquid carbon supplements (such as glutaraldehyde-based products), which can cause the plant to literally melt and disintegrate. It also prefers slightly cooler water and may become fragile or leggy in water exceeding 28°C (82°F). Otherwise, it is extremely hardy and forgiving.

Layout role

Background

Its primary role in the aquascape is to quickly establish a dense, green background that hides hardware and fills space. It is highly valued in newly set up aquariums for its ability to rapidly absorb excess nutrients and prevent early algae blooms. It provides excellent structure and security for breeding fish.