Hygrophila willow plant
Gigrofila is a fast-growing unpretentious plant. Suitable for both starting up an aquarium and for planting into an already formed aqua system.
The homeland of the plant is Southeast Asia. Different species can live underwater and on land. This herb has long stems and leaves. The shape and color of the leaves varies from species to species.
Gygrophila grows rapidly, adding 2-3 leaves per month
The main requirement of these bushes is good lighting. The light must be on for at least 12 hours. If you plant a plant in the shade, it will begin to lose the lower leaves and will not look spectacular enough. The temperature in the aquarium should be between 24-28 ° C. The acidity can be 7-8, and the hardness does not exceed 8-10. To plant a plant, you need a layer of silt (2-3 cm) and coarse sand. You can put a piece of clay under the roots.
Bushes grow quickly and require good nutrition, so they take nitrogen from the aquarium water, and thus:
- grass cleans water from fish waste;
- it takes food from local weeds, that is, harmful blue-green algae.
Biological protection against nitrogen poisoning of fish is built on this ability. The same property serves to prevent weeds from settling in the aquarium.
If you pinch the growth point of the algae, it will begin to give side shoots. The growth point is not only the top of the bush, but also the base of any leaf. Bushes are easy to propagate by cuttings, rooting them in the ground. In addition, roots may appear along the entire stem of the plant. Sometimes they grow on a single leaf that remains in the water.
Description of hygrophila willow
Bushes of this species can be from 25 to 60 cm high, and about 20-35 cm wide. The stem is up to 1,5 cm long – hard and thick. The leaves are light green on the outside and silvery on the inside. They are arranged in pairs, their length is about 20 cm, width is 1,5 cm. Together they form a lush bunch.
Algae are very demanding on the light and purity of the water; a filter must be installed in the aquarium. In turbid water, there is a gradual dying off, starting with the old lower leaves. As a result, only the inexpressive top of the bush will remain.
Nutrient soil in the form of clay and peat should be placed only during planting. Further feeding in the aquarium with fish is natural
It is best to place these plants as single bushes near the side walls and in the background. This will give the bushes enough light. A high water level also benefits this algae, especially since it grows more slowly in water.
The bushes of this seaweed are very convenient. They don’t need much more than lighting. This is one of the first plants to be planted in a new aquarium.