Aquarists think not only about the varieties of fish available, but also about improving their conditions. For maximum approximation to a comfortable natural environment, aquatic plants are used, often fast-growing, since fish tend to eat some algae. Unpretentiousness and ease of care stands out the baldwort from dozens of varieties of such plants.
Spread
The hydrocotyl is a white-headed or thistle - an amphibian plant. The natural environment is most common in South America. A distinctive feature is that it grows in both standing and running water.
What does the baldwort look like?
Plant height: 50 cm.
Color: light green.
Leaves: rounded with a slight sharpening and a deep cut with a diameter of up to 4 cm.
The baldwort grows white-headed both under water and on the surface. Thin additional ones depart from the main stem, with nodules every 1-2 cm. Thanks to this feature, it grows over large areas. From nodules grow leaves, similar to water lilies with separate petioles, and additional roots. Blooms in small inflorescences of white color.
A photo of a white-headed squamolus clearly demonstrates its features.
The subtleties of care
The baldwort in nature stands out among aquatic plants for its rapid growth and unpretentiousness. However, when grown in an aquarium, it is advisable for him to provide conditions close to natural:
- Water environment. The water temperature for the plant is 22-28 degrees. In cooler water, the carpel will not grow. The parameters of acidity and hardness do not affect the hydrocotyl, however, a constant replacement of water with fresh is required. In a stagnant plant begins to wilt and may die.
- Priming. The baldwort feels great on the water surface. If desired, you can lower part of the plant to the bottom with the help of heavy stones or driftwood. If landing is required, choose a substrate for the paludarium. It can be bought at a specialty store. Coarse sand is also suitable. When transplanting, adaptation is not required.
- Mineral fertilizing. The plant receives all the necessary substances directly from the water, so the fertilizer is bred and added to the aquarium. When grown on the ground, top dressing is also given in liquid form. A plant needs iron to preserve its natural color. The lack of substance will be manifested by yellowing of the edges of the leaves and growth retardation.
- Lighting. It is not recommended to keep the baldwort with a baldhead in shaded conditions. The plant needs 12 hours of light day. Do not place the aquarium in direct sunlight to avoid leaf burns. Install artificial lighting. It is better to combine a fluorescent and an incandescent lamp.
Breeding
The bald leafwort is an amphibian plant. It grows both on water and on land. Prefers muddy soil. Propagated by the method of cuttings. The new schistolis is able to grow from a process with one kidney.
To propagate an existing plant, pinch the top stalk with several buds and plant in a mixture of large river sand and peat. In a week the shoot will take root, new leaves will appear. In this way, you can get a large number of new independent plants.
In the aquarium, the stalk can be left on the surface of the water. With the right temperature and lighting, it will start to grow on its own. You can deepen such a process when two or three new leaves appear.
Thistle in the aquarium
The role of the plant in the life of the aquarium is shading. Perfect for all species of catfish and shade-loving fish. Fry hides in the leaves. For fish, the plant is not toxic and poses no danger.
The rate of growth of the stemworm, subject to the values of temperature and illumination, reaches 10 cm per week, and sometimes more. In this regard, in a small aquarium, you need to trim the plant often. Otherwise, the hydrocotyl will fill the entire space.
Care
For the cultivation and care of the quinwax does not require special skills. Pay attention to a few points:
- Replacing part of the water needed by any aquarium inhabitants will give the plant the required freshness and nutrients.
- Careful handling will keep the fragile stalks intact.
- Compliance with temperature and light conditions will help the wingworm to feel comfortable and stimulate growth.
- Fertilizers introduced into the water, the plant will receive using aerial roots.
- Planted in open ground hydrocotyl for the winter is transferred to a warm, well-lit place.
- Thistle is resistant to diseases and pests.
- Remove excess plants to avoid filling the entire aquarium.
Pleasant shape, undemanding care and fast growth are factors that designers take into account when choosing a bald-headed sagittarius to decorate the aquarium and provide fish with suitable living conditions. It is combined with almost all the inhabitants of the aquarium. Suitable for people without experience breeding aquatic plants.