Echinodorus quadricostatus tenellus

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.

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.

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.

Alternanthera Reineckii (Parrot Leaf)Alternanthera Reineckii 'Lilacina' is a beautiful red plant for the background or back wall of an aquarium. A very decorative plant, exceptionally colorful.Difficulty of cultivation: demandingLight requirements: highCO₂ requirements: mediumHeight of mature plant: up to 40 cmGrowth rate: slowTemperature: 17-28°CAquarium location: foreground, backgroundOrigin: South AmericaCup diameter 6 cmAlternanthera Reineckii 'Lilacina' is also called Lilac Alternanthera. It is intended for the second level of the aquarium or for the background. This species has been cultivated for a long time.The natural habitat of this species is the tropical regions of South America, where it grows in swamps and on the banks of rivers and lakes. It is a typical marsh plant. For this reason, it likes to grow above the water level, ideal for aquariums with low water levels. The stems above the water are often covered with tiny white or purple flowers. This variety has elongated, lance-shaped leaves that can grow up to 9.5 cm long.It is propagated by cuttings. It is recommended to place a few cuttings in a group to obtain a compact form. However, for the plant to develop all its beauty, it must find the right conditions. It grows best in soft to medium hard water up to 12 GH with a pH of 5 to 7. It is an extremely light-loving variety. It likes full spectrum light best. Intense light for 10 hours per day makes it grow faster and produces beautiful dark red leaves. Alternantera 'Lilacina' also needs CO₂ fertilization for lush growth. This can be done at a medium level, so between 6 and 14 mg/l. A deficiency of macro- and micronutrients is immediately noticeable in the form of changes in the leaf blades. The best substrate for this variety is a active substrate of good quality; it also grows well and happily in garden soil. It forms a poorly developed root system, consisting of a single bundle of thin and tender roots. It is worth cutting this plant back, and the cut shoots can be planted directly into the soil to obtain new 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 place them at a small distance..

Cryptocoryne wendtii Braun Cryptocoryne wendtii Brown (formerly Cryptocoryne wendtii Tropica) max. growth height - cm Country of origin Sri Lanka Suitability Community aquarium, NanoCubes and aquascaping Type Rosette plant family  Araceae Genus  Cryprocoryne Propagation  Stolons Growth rate  medium pH 5-8 Water hardness very soft to very hard Notes   The brown colour variant of Cryptocoryne wendtii is also very popular and can be used in many planted landscapes. Its leaf edges are slightly wavy; in some cases, the leaves are also bullous in shape. The leaf colour is green to brown, sometimes with brown streaking. With good lighting, its leaves become deep dark brown. In combination with other green cryptocorynes, this creates a very striking contrast. Like almost all Cryptocorynes from Sri Lanka, it grows well in harder water and is therefore ideally suited for cichlid aquaria.

Eriocaulon CinereumEriocaulon Cinereum is a very interesting and eye-catching plant species for the foreground of an aquarium. The plant is characterized by slow growth and the shape of the leaves resembles needles.Cultivation difficulty: moderately demanding Light requirement: high CO₂ requirement: high Height of the adult plant: up to 5 cm Growth: slow Temperature: 19-29 °C Placement in aquarium: in the foreground Origin: Asia 6 cm cup diameter Eriocaulon Cinereum is an undersized plant that does well in the foreground of an aquarium. This species is found on the Asian continent, especially in countries such as China and the Himalayan region. In China it is very common in its natural habitat, but in other countries it is hard to find. Recently, it has gained popularity due to its original and unique structure and characteristic flowers.The plant is characterized by very slow growth, as it takes about 6 months to form a rosette with a diameter of 10 cm. It reaches an average height of 5 cm. There must be a very fertile substrate, as the species has a very extensive root system. Through this, the plant absorbs most of the nutrients it needs for growth. It tolerates a wide range of water temperatures from 19 to 29 °C. It also grows in water with medium to high hardness,but prefers soft water. To ensure good growth, strong lighting and CO₂ dosage is essential, as well as micronutrient fertilization. Under these conditions, it will reward us with a beautiful rosette appearance with many young leaves.The propagation of this plant can be done in several ways. The easiest and most popular is the division of the rosette. This can be done as early as about a month after planting the plant in the aquarium. To get new cuttings, pull out a single plant and remove it from the water. Use a sharp tool to carefully cut the rosette into smaller pieces, and then use tweezers to place them in the substrate. After some time, the cut should be covered with new leaves, and the plant will take on a spherical shape.In aquariums, it likes to bloom, so its original inflorescences make an unusual decoration for any aquarium. 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.