Hottonia palustris

Rotala Rotundifolia 'Green' Rotala Rotundifolia 'Green' (Round-leaved Rotala) is a mid-ground plant. It is characterized by fast growth and moderate light requirements. The color is usually light green.Difficulty of growing: easy Light requirements: medium CO₂ requirements: not necessary Height of mature plant: 50-60 cm Growth: fast Temperature: 20-28°C Placement in aquarium: third level Origin: South Asia, Southeast Asia Cup diameter 6 cm The natural range of the round-leaved Rotalas (Rotala rotundifolia) is South, Southeast and East Asia. It has been spread by humans to Australia, the United States and Brazil, among other places. She is thus already almost a globetrotter.Rotala rotundifolia 'Green' is very similar to Rotala rotundifolia, but its leaves remain bright green even in bright light. This plant is characterized by its fast growth and its tendency to spread profusely, especially when regularly pruned. It tolerates medium light levels, but the higher the light, the more intense the plant's growth and colors. If left to grow freely, it reaches a length of 30-60 cm, cutting off access to light to the lower parts, where it begins to lose its leaves. Under favorable conditions, if left uncontrolled, it can dominate an entire tank, especially if it is a tank with a small capacity. Once it reaches the surface of the water, it begins to float on it. It does not need additional carbon dioxide fertilization unless you want to accelerate its growth even more. It is tolerant of pH and water hardness, although like most plants, it cannot tolerate extremes. It tolerates temperatures between 20 and 28 °C, but thrives better in the upper end of this range. It can grow in both an active and a poor substrate, but in this case it is advisable to fertilize under the roots. In well-lit, CO2-fertilized aquariums, it may require additional fertilization with macronutrients due to its rapid growth. Otherwise, it will lose its color and the leaves will become smaller. Rotala rotundifolia is propagated in the aquarium by cutting off stem pieces and placing them in a selected spot in the substrate. When transplanted to a new tank, it will need some time to acclimate and grow faster.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then place them at a small distance into the substrate.

Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini'Lobelia cardinalis 'Mini' is a green plant, recommended for the second level of the aquarium and for the paludarium. A very decorative species that is not particularly demanding.Difficulty of growing: easy Light requirements: medium CO₂ requirements: low Outgrown plant height: up to 20 cm Growth: medium Temperature: 15-28°C Placement in aquarium: second level Origin: North America Shell diameter: 6 cm Lobelia Cardinalis mini is a plant native to North America. In nature, it is found in wetlands and riverbanks. It is distributed from the Gulf of Mexico through the eastern states of the United States to southern Canada. It grows in the ground and has a well-developed root system. The feathery stems can develop auxiliary roots in leafless areas. Its small leaves are bright green, oval with a conspicuous pale central vein.Lobelias can be cultivated in aquariums and paludariums. It thrives in muddy soil as well as underwater. It tolerates temperatures from 15 to 28 °C and can also be kept in a pond. It thrives best at 20-23°C and requires soft to medium-hard water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.2.Without sufficient light, the leaves turn yellow, but in bright light the undersides of the leaves turn purple. It is not particularly demanding, but regular water changes, fertilizer and CO₂ support its growth.In the aquarium, lobelia should be planted in a group in the middle ground, but it is also well suited as a foreground plant. Pruning is necessary for the plant to grow well; use scissors to remove older leaves. You can also cut back the entire plant and use the cut tips as cuttings. Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then set them at intervals of 1 to 2 cm.

Ludwigia sp. 'Super Mini Red'Ludwigia sp. Super Mini Red' is a fast growing red plant for the second or third level in the aquarium. It is easy to propagate and does not require strong lighting. This plant grows in the soil and on decoration.Difficulty of cultivation: mediumLight requirement: mediumCO₂ requirement: mediumHeight of adult plant: 10-25 cmGrowth rate: mediumTemperature: 20-28°C Placement in aquarium: second or third level. Origin: Cultivar (cultivated variety) Cup diameter: 6 cm Ludwigia sp. 'Super Mini Red' is the smallest of the red-leaved Ludwigia varieties. It has fine and delicate dark red leaves. A particularly decorative aquarium plant. Depending on tank size, it is suitable for the middle or third level of the aquarium. It is popular for arrangements in Dutch and natural style aquariums. The leaf blade is about 2 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The plant does not have excessive requirements. It grows even in moderate light, although the red color then becomes less intense. The plant can be planted in the ground or on decorations. When attached to the roots, it forms fanciful compositions, reminiscent of treetops. In this form of cultivation should not forget about the additional application of liquid fertilizer. The best growth results are obtained when planted in a fertile substrate. Under good conditions it spreads quickly.Ludwigia sp. Super Mini Red' has many lovers thanks to its extremely intense red color. It discolors easily and quickly under strong light conditions. In this way, it becomes an incredibly eye-catching design element in their aquarium. Due to its rapid growth, it must be regularly cut back and trimmed. It does well in the strong spots of an arrangement, in the second or third row. The Super Mini Red variety does not require CO₂ and grows in the water column even with low light intensity and low fertilizer levels. Therefore, it is a suitable plant for beginners in plant aquaristics. However, it is important to remember that the best growing results can be achieved with appropriate lighting and additional carbon dioxide addition. It grows in both hard and soft water with pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It does not require complicated care. Frequent pruning and good growing conditions will ensure beautiful, dense plants. It can grow up to 25 cm tall. As with most stems, the cut tips of the plants can be replanted in the ground. The plant will form side shoots at the cut.Planting:The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then set them at intervals of 1 to 2 cm.

Limnophila aromaticaLimnophila Aromatica (fragrant limnophilia) is a beautiful plant for the second or third level. It turns purple under intense light.Difficulty of cultivation: moderate Light requirement: medium CO₂ requirement: medium Adult plant height: up to 50 cm Growth: moderate Temperature: 22-28°C Placement in aquarium: second or third level Origin: Asia Cup diameter: 6 cm Limnophila Aromatica (fragrant Limnophila, rice paddy weed) is a plant that has earned a place in aquariums around the world due to its unique appearance and leaf color. It is native to Asia, where it usually grows in rice paddies or swamps near water. It does well after the end of the rainy season in a dry place in a still moist, sandy soil. At high temperatures, the plant flowers, forms fruit, and then dies. Traditionally used as a spice, especially in Vietnamese cuisine. Its flavor is reminiscent of cumin and lemon. Currently, the plant can also be found in America and Australia.Limnophilia Aromatica is a stalk plant that produces lance-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Their color depends on the intensity of light. If the plant has little access to light, its leaves are green. If the light is strong, the entire top of the plant is intense red and the leaves are purple on the underside. In aquariums, plant it in the second or third level, leaving a distance of 1.5 cm between cuttings. It grows quite fast, its optimal pH is 6-7. It tolerates temperatures between 15 and 30 °C, but it is better to avoid extreme temperatures and keep it between 22 and 28 °C. In aquariums it is propagated by cutting and planting young plants that form on the stems or from the tips. The plant does not require absolute CO₂ fertilization, but grows much faster with CO₂ addition. To achieve the desired intense red-purple color of the leaves, the plant must be strongly illuminated. In addition, attention must be paid to the correct water parameters in the aquarium, especially the optimal iron, nitrate and phosphate content, so that the plant can absorb the nutrients from the water column. Due to its strongly developed root system, the plant grows best in active media.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then set them at intervals of 1 to 2 cm.

Alternanthera reineckii 'Rosanervig' Alternanthera Reineckii Rosanervig is a red aquarium plant for the middle ground of the aquarium. The striking pattern on the leaves makes this species a real rarity in any planted aquarium.. Growing difficulty: moderately demanding Light requirement: medium CO₂ requirement: medium Outgrown plant height: up to 30cm Growth: medium Temperature: 22-28°C Placement in aquarium: second level Origin: cultivated variety Cup diameter: 6cm Alternanthera Reineckii 'Rosanervig', or Alternanthera Reineka Rosanervig, also known as Red Ruby. You may also come across the name Alternanthera Cardinalis, but that is not the scientific name for this plant. It is a very impressive member of the Amaranthaceae family that looks best in the background, in the center of the tank.In large aquariums, it can be planted in the foreground. If regularly cut back to a height of 5-10 cm, it will form a beautiful red carpet. Its distinctive feature is the burgundy pink leaves with contrasting light veins. The color of the leaves depends on the conditions in the aquarium. It is popular for arrangements in Dutch style aquariums. It is recommended to plant 6-7 seedlings in a group to form a compact, interesting-looking shrub. This variety needs a lot of light and is quite a demanding plant in this respect. A fertile substrate is also essential. It grows well in active media. The plant easily reproduces by dividing shoots that grow at the base of the stem and leaves. Cuttings cut from the mother plant can be put directly into the substrate. They quickly form a root system. For lush growth is recommended average minimum fertilization of Alternantera rosanervig with CO₂, i.e. with a content of 6 - 14 mg/l. It is advisable to use liquid fertilizers so that the plant does not lack micro and macro elements. This variety is not very demanding on water parameters. It grows in soft to hard water with pH between 5 and 8. The leaves of Alternantera rosanervig are very dense, so the plant is often used by smaller fish as protection from predators, and shade-loving species like to stay under it. Alternantera rosanervig looks nice near species such as Hemianthus callitrichoides Cuba and Aponogeton boivinianus . It contrasts nicely with the green of the other aquatic plants.Planting:The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed of gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself.

Ludwigia brevipes Ludwigia brevipes is a multicolored tertiary stem plant. It turns a striking red-orange color that reproduces vegetatively.Cultivation difficulty: moderately difficultLight requirements: highCO₂ requirement: highAdult plant height: up to 40 cmGrowth: mediumTemperature: 20-28°CPlacement in aquarium: third levelOrigin: North AmericaShell diameter 6 cmLudwigia Brevipes (Ludwigia sans-tail) is a tertiary plant, although it can be used successfully as a secondary plant in larger tanks due to its tendency to overgrow the aquarium substrate.It is found along the northeast coast of the USA. In aquaculture, this plant has lanceolate leaves that are up to 3 cm long and 5 mm wide. It is characterized by multicolored depending on the amount of light, distance between stems or water parameters.Ludwigia brevipes, like all plants that turn shades of red, needs carbon dioxide, strong light and fertilizer containing Fe-iron. The initially green leaves turn red-orange only under favorable conditions. Ludwigia brevipes is described as moderately difficult to grow. It tolerates a wide range of water parameters. It needs a temperature of 20-28°C. It grows in soft to hard water, but definitely thrives better in soft water, down to 10 degrees. It is often confused with Ludwigia acurata, although it forms denser clumps than the latter. As with any stalked plant, propagation is easy. Simply cut off the top and plant it in the ground. Planted in a group, it creates a beautiful effect mimicking a sunset in the aquarium, especially when planted behind gray rocks.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate..

Lysimachia Nummularia Lysimachia Nummularia is a second level aquarium plant that does well in emersed (above water) form. Easy to grow and tolerant of requirements.Difficult to grow: moderately demandingLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: mediumOutgrown plant height: up to 60 cmGrowth: fastTemperature: 15-26 °Placement in aquarium: Second levelOrigin: EuropeCup diameter: 6 cmLysimachia Nummularia (Sedentary Lysimachia), is an aquatic plant that spreads easily on the bottom when it inhabits the banks of ponds and pools. It has a weakly branched structure. The roots grow in clumps or singly near the round, heart-shaped leaves. If well cared for and not pruned, it can bloom above the surface of the aquarium with yellow flowers.It grows quickly if you provide it with a loamy, sandy substrate along with good light and provide it with enough CO₂ gas fertilizer. Low temperatures don't bother her, but at higher temperatures her growth accelerates considerably, so she can be difficult to control. It prefers soft and slightly acidic water in the aquarium. It feels comfortable at a pH of 6-8. In order to have distinctive, heart-shaped leaves with an intense green color, it requires lots of nitrogen. A nitrogen deficiency will cause the plant to restrict its growth and not climb as much. It is therefore advisable to fertilize it regularly with nitrogenous products and to plant it in aquariums with lots of fish. The hedgehog tree generally grows vertically, without forming too many branches.It grows well in an aquarium with tropical fish, but also in cold biotopes of European waters or on the banks of ponds. Propagation is very simple: just cut the top shoot of the plant and plant it in the substrate, where it will take root. You will achieve the best decorative effect if you plant the plant in small groups of 15-20 specimens. If the shoots are not cut off when it reaches the water table, the plant will continue to grow into an emerse form. Its green-yellow color stands out well against other plants in the aquarium. Lysimachia does well in a hydroponic filter, from which it grows out and forms a green waterfall of leaves that flows into the aquarium. It can also be used in humid terrariums, paludariums or gardens. In a well-lit and regularly sprayed "garden in a jar", it also pleases our eyes with its delicate appearance and rich green color.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate..

Myriophyllum sp. 'Guyana Myriophyllum sp. 'Guyana is a dense plant for the second and third levels of an aquarium. It forms a dense green wall in the back of a small tank and provides an excellent hiding place for small, shy fish and shrimp species.Difficulty of growing: moderately demandingLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: mediumHeight of mature plant: up to 30 cmGrowth: mediumTemperature: 23-27 °CPlacement in aquarium: Background or midground plantOrigin: South AmericaCup diameter 6 cm"Guyana" is an interesting cultivar of a coneflower well known to aquarists. It attains a very intense green coloration and forms a dense forest in the aquarium. It has beautiful decorative narrow leaves. Unique to it is that the plant remains bright green even in above-average light, while other paddlers turn red. Also, it grows relatively slowly and has short stems that branch easily. Thanks to its compact growth, it does well in nano aquariums. Guyana plant contrasts well with red plants, especially when planted as background for them.It requires fertilization with micro and macro elements, and it is also worth feeding it with CO₂ in gaseous form. It does not need a very fertile substrate, as it takes up most of its nutrients from groundwater. However, if you put fertilizer capsules or tablets under its roots, the plant will also benefit. You can propagate Myriophyllum very easily by cutting the plant to a length of about 5 cm and planting a new shoot in the substrate. The plant quickly sprouts new roots and begins to climb upwards.The delicate leafy leaves of the plant form a very dense clump in the aquarium, which immediately catches the eye. Myriophyllum sp. 'Guyana' is an ideal plant for aquarists who love nano tanks and delicate plants. The stems branch very easily and thicken into a showy thicket. Frequent shortening aids the branching process. In elaborately designed cubes, it is a real eye-catcher.In larger aquariums, there is a risk that Myriophyllum is hardly visible in the midst of larger-than-life plants, unless you plant it in dense clumps. The plant comes from an in vitro cultivation, which means that it is free from snails, parasites and algae. A high-quality gel was used as the culture medium, so it can quickly and easily adapt to the new conditions.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate..

Alternanthera reineckii 'Purple'Purple' is the largest variety of Alternanthera Reineckii. The red colored leaves make it a great plant for accenting.Difficulty of cultivation: difficultLight requirements: highCO₂ requirements: highHeight of mature plants: 20-50 cmGrowth: mediumTemperature: 20-28°CPlacement in aquarium: middle ground or backgroundOrigin: South America6 cm cup diameterAlternanthera Reineckii 'Purple' is a demanding plant for advanced aquarists. It should receive a fertile substrate, strong lighting, an additional supply of carbon dioxide and a full feeding in the form of liquid fertilizer. However, even under favorable conditions, its growth is very slow. Alternanthera Reineckii 'Purple' is a secondary or tertiary plant. The top of the leaf blades are reddish brown, while the undersides range from purple to violet to dark red. The mature plant can grow up to 50 cm tall, but usually reaches no more than 20-30 cm in height. It spreads laterally by lateral stolons. To obtain cuttings, 7 cm long cut stems are inserted into the ground It presents best in the second or third level. In nature, it is a swamp plant that occurs in South America. The best growth results are obtained when it is planted in an active substrate. The growth rate depends on the carbon dioxide concentration in the aquarium water. It prefers soft to hard water with a pH of 6 to 8. It depends on the availability of macronutrients in the water column and is sensitive to macronutrient deficiencies resulting in the loss of leaves in the lower part of the stem. Plant it in closely spaced clumps. As it grows, it will form a compact group of adult plants. Prune the plant regularly with sharp scissors. Frequent pruning helps the plant compact and grow. To maintain the dark red color of the foliage, the plant must be well exposed to light. In optimal light, it grows densely and the internodes are short, making it look much more attractive. It makes an interesting contrast to the many green plants in the aquarium. In open aquariums it grows easily to the water surface.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate..

Lobelia cardinalis Lobelia Cardinalis is a green plant, recommended for the second level of the aquarium and for the paludarium. It looks great in a group and likes to grow above the water surface.Difficulty of growing: easyLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: lowAdult plant height: up to 30 cmGrowth: mediumTemperature: 15-28°CPlacement in aquarium: second levelOrigin: North AmericaShell diameter 6 cmLobelia Cardinalis or Cardinal's Strophica is a plant native to North America. In the wild, it is found in wetlands and along riverbanks. It is distributed from the Gulf of Mexico through the eastern states of the United States to southern Canada. It grows in the ground and has a well-developed root system. The feathery stems can develop auxiliary roots in leafless areas. Its distinctive ornamental feature is the light green, oval leaves with a prominent pale central vein. It is very comfortable in a paludarium, where it forms a 0.5 m high flower head with red flowers. Lobelia can be cultivated in aquariums and paludariums. It thrives beautifully in muddy soil as well as underwater.It tolerates temperatures from 15 to 28 °C and can also be kept in a pond. It thrives best at 20-23°C. It does well in soft to medium hard water with a pH between 6.5 and 7.2.Without adequate light the leaves turn yellow, but in bright light the undersides of the leaves turn purple-red. It is not particularly demanding, but regular water changes, fertilizer and CO₂ support its growth and allow it to grow 5 cm per month. Uncut, it grows above the water surface by forming overwater leaves, and may also flower.In the aquarium, lobelia should be planted in a group in the background, but it also works well as a foreground plant. It is used in lobelia avenues or to form showy thickets. Pruning is necessary to maintain a beautiful habit; use scissors to remove older leaves. You can also cut back the entire plant and use the cut tips as cuttings. A young plant can also be grown from an old leaf. Cuttings rooted in a paludarium can be transplanted to an aquarium. In an aquarium, stem pruning forces the plant to form side shoots. Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 3-4 cm lumps and then place them in the substrate..

Gratiola viscidula Gratiola Viscidula is a rare species, almost a rarity. It is suitable as a foreground or middle ground plant. Properly cared for, it can form a compact and dense carpet of grass.Difficulty of growing: easyLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: lowOutgrown plant height: 10-20 cm, usually smaller in aquariumGrowth: slowTemperature: 18-27°CPlacement in aquarium: secondary and foregroundOrigin: North AmericaCup diameter: 6 cmGratiola Viscidula is a plant that was introduced into the aquarium hobby relatively recently. The species is native to North America, particularly the east coast of the United States. In the wild it is found from Florida north to Ohio and west to Missouri. It is one of seventeen North American Gratiola species and a member of the Plantaginaceae - goby family. It is related to the European Gratiola officinalis. In its natural habitat, Gratiola viscidula is a perennial marsh plant. It inhabits moist, sunny or semi-shaded sites. It is found on the banks of streams, in ditches, ponds and marshes. In nature, it blooms from June to October.This species is not commonly found in the aquarium trade, making it a rarity.It is a compact stem plant that forms dense rows or bright green lawns. It is suitable for both front ground and background. It has small, narrow leaves that appear spiny and look a little like conifers. The individual stems of the plant are thick, stiff and 1.5-2 cm wide. Because it grows in a temperate climate zone, it can be grown emersed in water bodies, ponds or pools outdoors. It tolerates a pH of 5.5-7.5. The plant is traditionally planted in the substrate. Gratiola Viscidula does not require CO₂ addition and likes regular water changes and fertilization.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then place them at a small distance on the selected items.

Hottonia inflataHottonia Inflata (Nasturtium Hottonia) is a low-maintenance, secondary plant. It is characterized by branching stems with alternate pinnate, light green leaves.Difficulty of growing: easyLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: mediumHeight of adult plant: up to 40 cmGrowth rate: fastTemperature: 18-26°CPlacement in aquarium: Second levelOrigin: North AmericaShell diameter: 6 cmHottonia Inflata (Nasturtium Hottonia, Nasturtium Columbine) is a relatively easy to grow stem plant. It is intended for the second or third tier of plants in the aquarium. Its natural range is central and eastern North America. It grows in wetlands where it overgrows shallow, still waters such as swamps and ponds. It prefers moderate, moist climates without extreme temperatures and acidic water, but can tolerate neutral water. In nature, seeds germinate in shallow waters in fall or winter. The young plants are protected from low temperatures by water. As they grow, the stem expands until it reaches the water table. When the temperature rises, the plant forms the characteristic flower stalks with which it floats on the water surface.The flowers appear by late spring or summer. The plant produces numerous seeds that float on the water surface for a short time. They then sink to the muddy bottom of the pool where they germinate or go dormant for a year. After the seeds are released, the plant dies. Therefore, it should be cut back regularly in the aquarium. Hottonia inflata has branched stems from which alternate elongated, pinnate, light green leaves emerge. It is prized by aquarists for its unique appearance, ease of cultivation and rapid growth. In aquariums, the plant is propagated vegetatively by lateral regrowth or by cutting off the tips and planting them in the substrate. After pruning, it spreads and forms dense clumps.It does not require CO₂ fertilization, but its administration significantly accelerates growth. Like other plants, it needs liquid fertilizers so that it can absorb nutrients from the water column (nitrogen compounds, potassium, phosphates, iron, magnesium). It grows best in an active substrate; if the substrate is poor, it is advisable to add additional fertilizer directly under the roots.Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself. Divide the contents of the cup into 1-2 cm lumps and then place them at a small distance on the selected items.