Pogostemon erectus

Micranthemum umbrosum Micranthemum Umbrosum is a light green stem plant with small round leaves. Depending on how it is pruned, it is suitable for both the foreground and background of the aquarium. Difficulty of cultivation: easy Light requirement: medium, to high CO₂ requirement: medium Height of the adult plant: 20 cm Growth: fast Temperature: 22-26 °C Placement in the aquarium: Second level Origin: North and Central America Cup diameter: 6 cm Micranthemum Umbrosum (Round-leaved meadowfoam) is a naturally occurring plant in North and Central America. It grows both in water and in marshy areas. It is prized by aquarists for its unique appearance. The plant forms long stems with paired, alternate, small, round, light green leaves. It has a fairly well developed root system. It needs regular pruning and is easy to shape into a desired form. It is propagated vegetatively by cutting off the shoot tips and planting them in the ground. It likes water with a hardness of 2-12°N, a pH of 5.5-7.7 and a temperature of 24-26°C. It is sensitive to trypaflavin and can be damaged by snails. It has fairly high light requirements. With insufficient light, it pulls upward, and distinct gaps can be seen between the leaves. With sufficient light, it forms dense clumps that are pleasing to the aquarist's eye.Micranthemum umbrosum is usually placed in the background of the aquarium, but it also looks good in the foreground when cut short. It does not require absolute CO₂ fertilization, but grows much faster in its presence. When growing this plant, pay special attention to the proper concentration of iron in the aquarium water.. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

Limnophila sessiliflora An easy to grow stem plant, ideal for the background of the aquarium. It is characterized by its beautiful green coloration and rapid growth.Difficulty of growing: easyLight requirements: mediumCO₂ requirements: mediumGrown plant height: up to 60 cmGrowth: fastTemperature: 25-30°CPlacement in aquarium: Third levelOrigin: Asia6 cm cup diameterLimnophila Sessiliflora is an easy to grow stem plant, perfect for the third level of a tank. Native to Asia, the plant is characterized by pinnate leavesof light green color. They grow in groups of 6-9 leaves around the stem. Limnophila sessiliflora looks best incompact groups. Because of its structure, it makes an excellent hiding place for juvenile fish. The advantage of this plant is that it is easy to grow. It requires only moderate light, about 0.5 W/l. However, the plant adapts to the light conditions. In stronger light, the stems become thicker, the green color more bright and the structure more compact. In weaker light, the stems may elongate between the leaf nodes, which affects the appearance of the plant. It can be successfully grown without CO₂ supply. It grows up to 60 cm tall, which makes it a good choice for planting the third level of the tank. Its intense growth helps the aquarium look quickly overgrown. The growing stems can be cut at any point and then replanted in the substrate. In this way, we can quickly compact the clumps. The prerequisite for rapid growth of this plant is a constant temperature of 25-30°C. Although Limnophila Sessiliflora tolerates short-term temperature fluctuations well, it grows fastest at a constant temperature. Because of its growth rate, additional fertilization of the tank with iron- and potassium-rich fertilizer is recommended.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 MattogrossenseMyriophyllum Mattogrossense, also known as red columbine, is a decorative aquarium plant that is quite demanding.Growing difficulty: demandingLight requirements: strongCO₂ requirements: strongOutgrown plant height: up to 60 cmGrowth: fastTemperature: 24-28°CPlacement in aquarium: third levelOrigin: South AmericaCup diameter 6 cmMyriophyllum Mattogrossense or red coneflower is a rather demanding, although easy to grow tertiary plant. It is native to Brazil, more specifically to Mato Grosso in the Rio Amazon. It has long, brittle stems with pinnate, whorled leaves.The plant itself is reminiscent of dill in appearance. Under good conditions, it can bloom with small, red, single flowers. It needs a fertile, rich substrate and very intense lighting. Only then can it develop its full potential and show its beauty in the aquarium. It does not like coarse gravel, it grows much better in a fine but permeable substrate. Intensive CO₂ fertilization is advisable. Liquid fertilizer added to the water column will also improve the aesthetic qualities of the plant, which likes to make use of these resources. If it is well fertilized, it grows luxuriantly and the stems have a beautiful red color. It needs a long day, so the light should be on for at least 8-10 hours. It is very sensitive to the parameters that are not maintained. With regular water changes it grows vigorously and the leaves spread into green fans, while in old water the leaves become much smaller and unsightly. If you change the water every few months, you may lose the plant. Myriophyllum Mattogrossense thrives in both soft and hard water.pH 6-7.2.Temperature 24-28°C It is also important that you prune the Myriophyllum regularly. If the plant is not pruned, it will get very fine leaves, especially in the lower part, which will look very unflattering. Regular pruning of the tops helps to prevent this. The plant reproduces very easily, it is enough to plant the cut tip in fertile soil, and it will quickly form a rich, filamentous root system. Due to the need for fertilizer and the capriciousness of the plant, it is not recommended for beginners in aquaristics. The plant is grown in vitro and is free of snails, parasites and algae. A high quality gel was used as a nutrient solution for breeding, so it can quickly and easily adapt to new conditions..

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..

Ludwigia arcuata Ludwigia Arcuata is a decorative aquarium plant with narrow, red-colored leaves. It grows tall, so it is intended for the second or third level of the aquarium. Difficulty of growing: mediumLight requirement: highCO₂ requirement: high (20 mg/l)Outgrown plant height: up to 40 cmGrowth: moderateTemperature: 20-28°CPlacement in aquarium: Third and second levelsOrigin: North America6 cm cup diameterLudwigia Arcuata is a decorative orange-green or red-green plant for the background of your aquarium. This species is native to North America, where it occurs in the following states: Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It occurs as a perennial marsh plant that grows in stagnant or slow-moving waters.The plant belongs to the Onagraceae (Evening Primrose) family and its synonyms are Ludwigia pedunculosa Michaux, Isnardia pedunculosa de Candolle, Isnardia arcuata Kuntze and Ludwigiantha arcuata Smoll. In appearance it resembles Ludwigia brevipes and Didiplis diandra. Ludwigia arcuata is distinguished by its elongated, narrow leaves, the tips of which turn orange to red depending on the incidence of light. It has thin, vertically growing stems and likes to grow above the water surface, which is why it is recommended for open tanks and paludariums. The leaves that grow above the water are finer, but more colorful. It flowers frequently and its inflorescences are small and golden yellow.For good growth, afertile substrate, strong lighting and CO₂ fertilization are required. The light in the aquarium with this variety should be on for about 12 hours per day. With regular pruning, it forms a dense, compact shrub with an orange-red coloration that contrasts well with green plants. Ludwigia tolerates a pH of 5.5 to 8.0, water hardness is not important to it, but it is very sensitive to iron deficiency in the water. Ludwigia arcuata has a weakly developed root system and therefore does not require a thick substrate. When planted in paludariums, it floats well. 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..