Cryptocoryne wendtii C 421 - Medium, brown cryptocoryne

Echinodorus grisebachii Bleherae Amazonas - Sword Plant max. growth height 60 - 80 cm Country of origin Brazil Suitability Perch aquarium, discus aquariumCommunity aquarium Type Rosette plant family Alismataceae Genus Echinodorus Propagation Adventive plants on the flower stalk Growth rate fast pH 5 - 9 Water hardness 10 - 20 °dh Notes   The large Amazonas sword plant is perhaps the most popular plant in the aquarium hobby. Its leaves are 3–6 cm wider than those of the ‘amazonicus’ variety, and the height of up to 60 cm makes this species appear even more dominant. Mature clumps, some with more than 50 leaves, are a striking feature. However, the substrate must be at least 10 cm deep for the root system to develop properly. Combined with Helanthium species (dwarf Echinodorus), beautiful South American underwater landscapes can be created.

Duckweed / Duckweed PortionDuckweed (Lemna minor L) Floating plant suitable for the aquarium also suitable for garden ponds and biotopes Duckweed – a natural floating plant for aquariums, ponds and feed productionDuckweed, also known as water lettuce, is a hardy, fast-growing floating plant suitable for freshwater aquariums, ponds and small rearing tanks. The small, green plants float freely on the water’s surface, reproduce very rapidly under favourable conditions and offer numerous benefits: They remove excess nutrients from the water, provide shade, improve the natural balance and are readily eaten by shrimp, snails, goldfish, ducks and other animals.Breeding and propagationCultivating duckweed is very simple. The plants are placed directly on the water’s surface and require no planting, no substrate and no CO₂ system. With sufficient light, calm water and enough nutrients, they reproduce by division. Under good conditions, the population can increase significantly within a few days. A small container, a nano-aquarium or a plastic tub is sufficient for targeted cultivation. We recommend at least 5 to 10 litres of water, for a more stable and productive culture 20 litres or more. The water should be as still as possible, as duckweed does not tolerate strong currents, splashing water or leaves that are permanently submerged.Optimal conditionsDuckweed is highly adaptable and grows reliably in many freshwater environments. An ideal water temperature of around 18 to 28 °C. Temperatures of approximately 10 to 30 °C are generally tolerated, though growth slows significantly in cooler conditions. The water should be nutrient-rich, for example through the presence of fish, prawns, snails or very sparing use of liquid fertiliser. A pH value in the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range is suitable; approximately 5.5 to 8.0 is not a problem for most cultures. Water hardness usually plays only a minor role. Above all, sufficient light and a calm water surface are important. A lighting duration of around 8 to 12 hours a day promotes vigorous, green growth.Care instructionsSince duckweed grows very quickly, the population should be thinned out regularly. A completely closed plant canopy can block too much light from reaching other aquarium plants and restrict gas exchange at the water’s surface. You should therefore remove some of the plants using a fine-mesh net or spoon if necessary. To maintain a healthy culture, it is advisable to carry out partial water changes regularly and to remove dead or yellowing plants. In aquariums with strong surface movement, a filter outlet directly at the water’s surface or very nutrient-poor water, growth may be slower.Benefits at a glanceDuckweed is easy to care for, fast-growing and versatile.They help break down nutrients, provide shelter for young fish, naturally shade the aquarium and are ideal as a supplementary food for many aquatic animals.This makes them ideal for aquarists, pond owners and anyone wishing to create a simple, natural plant culture.The delivery consists of a starter batch of live duckweed for further propagation.Please note: Duckweed can spread very rapidly and should not be released into natural water bodies.

Nymphaea red - Red tiger lotus as a forcing tuber max. growth height - 50 cm Country of origin Africa Suitability Discus aquarium, community aquarium Type family Nymphaeaceae genus Nymphaea Propagation Seeds, daughter plants from the tuber Growth rate fast pH 5 - 8 Water hardness 0 - 20 °dh Notes The Tiger Lotus is widespread in tropical Africa and colonizes a wide variety of waters there - temporary ponds and lakes on the one hand, but also flowing waters on the other. It has a tuber as a storage organ with strong floating leaves. The most beautiful thing about this plant, however, are the submerged juvenile leaves, which do not reach the surface of the water. Of the two color forms, the red tiger lotus is the most popular among aquarists; however, its green color form is rarely found in the trade. Tiger lotus are quite undemanding, older and larger leaves are always removed at the base of the tuber.

Echinodorus Jungle Star No. 2 / Sword Plant Little Bear max. growth height - 25 cm Country of origin Cultivated form Suitability Perch aquarium, community aquarium Type  Rosette plant Family Alismataceae Genus Echinodorus Propagation Adventive plants on the flower stalk Growth rate medium pH 5 - 8 Water hardness 0 - 20 °dh Notes   The 'Little Bear' variety has been on the market since 1995 and is still one of the most popular red-leaved varieties. In the aquarium, the plant forms a compact rosette with a rust-red to deep dark red colour. Older plants reach a height of up to 25 cm. As with many Echinodorus varieties, emersed and submerged leaves differ enormously. The 'Little Bear' is bright green in the greenhouse and produces its first red submerged leaves after just a few days in the aquarium. Always a fascinating spectacle!

Hygrophila corymbosa / Cherry Leaf - Giant Waterleaf max. growth height - 50 cm Country of origin  Southeast Asia Suitability Discus aquarium Type  Stem plant Family Acanthaceae Genus Hygrophila Propagation Tip cutting Growth rate fast pH 5 - 8 Water hardness 0 - 30 °dh Notes  Beginner plant Hygrophila corymbosa is a widespread stem plant in Southeast Asia. There are some varieties that differ in leaf shape. Generally, the emergent leaves are considerably darker in colour than in the submerged stage. The giant waterleaf is a good beginner‘s plant for the background. Its rapid growth absorbs excess nutrients and thus deprives algae of their food source. As soon as the shoots reach the water surface, they should be cut back by half. A tiered arrangement of the stems is recommended.

Hygrophila pinnatifida - aquarium plant from India max. growth height - 40 cm Country of origin India Suitability Aquascaping, community aquarium, NanoCube Type Stem plant Family Acanthaceae Genus Hygrophila Propagation Side shoots Growth rate medium pH 5 - 8 Water hardness 5 - 12 °dh Notes  Can also grow on stones or roots, which is rather untypical for a stem plant. A new species from India with an unusual character. It has only been on the market for a few years and is increasingly being planted in fascinating landscapes. On the one hand, its leaves are very attractive, ranging from rusty brown to olive green, on the other hand, the leaf shape is beautifully pinnately divided. In combination with simply shaped plants, the expression of this ornamental leaf shape is intensified. Another special feature is the ability to grow on stones and roots – completely atypical for a stem plant.