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Elatine hydropiper
Elatine hydropiper
Elatine hydropiper is an aquarium plant belonging to the Elatinaceae family, characterized by a medium growth rate and ideal for placement in the foreground.
Class:Liliopsida
Order:Malpighiales
Family:Elatinaceae
Genus:Elatine
Species:Elatine hydropiper
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Water Temperature
4 - 26 °C
pH Value
6.4 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Light
Medium - High
CO2
Medium - High
GH
0 - 20 dGH
KH
4 - 8 dKH
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: This fascinating aquatic species has its geographical origin in the warm tropical regions of Asia and South America, where it inhabits clear river systems with weak to moderate current. It is commonly found both submerged and partially emersed along sandy or muddy banks. Additionally, its occurrence is highly associated with shaded banks and shallow water basins.
Taxonomy & Genetics: From a taxonomic point of view, it belongs to the Elatinaceae family and is assigned to the Elatine genus. Its genetics reflect a high degree of adaptation to seasonal variations in water and chemical parameters of its native waters, assuring its resilience.
Physical Structure: The physical structure of the plant is characterized by a rhizome or creeping stem botanical form with well-proportioned and elastic stems or rosettes. Under proper lighting conditions, it develops a stable root system capable of anchoring firmly into the riverbed.
Color & Texture: The color of the leaves presents as a bright and natural green, with translucent shades and fine textures that increase the perception of visual depth. The leaf texture is smooth or slightly wrinkled depending on aquarium conditions.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Lighting & CO2: Optimal lighting to support the plant's development ranges from medium to high, depending on the desired leaf density. Constant CO2 injection is recommended to support effective photosynthesis and prevent tissue decay.
Nutrition & Substrate: The plant benefits from a rich, porous substrate coupled with a balanced liquid fertilization in the
Water Chemistry: The ideal water chemistry includes a slightly acidic or neutral pH (6.4 - 7.0) and a moderate carbonate hardness KH (4.0 - 8.0). The optimal water temperature must be kept stable between 4.0 and 26.0 °C.
Space Management & Placement: Regarding space management, the plant should be positioned in the foreground, spacing the stems adequately to avoid shaded areas. It is ideal for creating dynamic layouts in natural aquascaping.
Pruning: Pruning must be performed regularly by topping the upper part or thinning the densest clumps with suitable scissors. Propagation is successfully achieved through cuttings replanted directly into the soil.
Risks & Diseases: The main risks are related to the development of parasitic algae on old leaves and tissue necrosis if essential nutrients are lacking. Good filtration and regular water changes prevent most diseases.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This fascinating aquatic species has its geographical origin in the warm tropical regions of Asia and South America, where it inhabits clear river systems with weak to moderate current. It is commonly found both submerged and partially emersed along sandy or muddy banks. Additionally, its occurrence is highly associated with shaded banks and shallow water basins.
Origin
South and Southeast AsiaAmazon, Orinoco, and GuianasExtra-Amazon South America
Plant profile
- Placement
- No verified data available
- Botanical form
- No verified data available
- Growth
- No verified data available
- Substrate
- No verified data available
- Column fertilization
- No verified data available
- Root fertilization
- No verified data available
- Trimming
- No verified data available
- Propagation
- No verified data available
- Nutrients
- No verified data available
- Sensitivity
- No verified data available
- Layout role
- No verified data available
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
