For an aquarist, not only the population of a home pond is important, but also its design. And in this regard, the vegetation planted in the aquarium plays a leading role. It is important not only its decorative effect, but also ease of care. If you use a capricious plant, then you will spend more time maintaining its vital functions than caring for the main asset of the "pool" - fish. Almost an ideal planting from this side is the willow hygrophila. It is quite unpretentious, is an amphibian, which allows it to be used for external decoration, and, moreover, it is beautiful in any design ideas.
Description of the plant
Hygrophila willow (photo attached) got its name from the appearance of its leaves. In shape, they are almost identical to the leaves of the well-known willow. The color of the foliage has a rich green, dark shades. They grow from hard and long stems of a reddish hue, growing vertically. If the conditions of detention suit the plant, the hygrophila willow quickly forms the densest thickets that serve as a refuge for both fry and adult fish.
If a plant produces leaves above the surface of the water, they are shorter than those below it - an average of eight centimeters versus 10-12. But the petioles are longer, which is actively used in reproduction. The color of the surface leaves is also lighter, both above the plate and below. The same remark applies to the veins: in water leaves they are darker, in air leaves they are lighter in general color.
Hygrophila willowleaf – contents
Despite the ruggedness of this aquarium plant, there are certain requirements that must be met if you want to keep your plants growing.
- Temperature regime. Do not forget that the willow hygrophila is a tropical plant that came into our aquariums from Southeast Asia. The optimal degree range is 22-28 Celsius. The plant does well at constant higher temperatures. But their decline affects him negatively.
- The acidity of the water is preferably neutral. Fluctuations in pH between 6.5 and 7.5 are acceptable. At other values, the plant will wither, and eventually die.
- Hygrophila willifolia requires fairly intense lighting. It should fit within the boundaries of 0.4-0.6 W / l, and the daylight hours should be at least 10 (preferably 12)hours. Otherwise, with a prolonged lack of light, the plant begins to grow algae, the most active of which is the "black beard". From this, the plantation almost inevitably dies.
Hygrophile also really likes the water flow. Therefore, it is better to plant it closer to the filter or along the back wall along which the jet goes.
A little about the soil
For the successful growth of hygrophila willifolia in an aquarium, it needs a certain amount of silt. For its spontaneous formation, sand or the finest gravel is required, the fraction of which should not exceed 0.6 mm. When planting, for better survival under the root, it will be competent to place a piece of clean clay. A layer of soil is not less than 3 cm, and preferably 5. If such a thick layer is excessive (for aesthetic reasons or in connection with the characteristics of the fish contingent), then the willow hygrophila is planted in shallow pots. True, this will prevent its growth. However, in a single landing, she also looks very impressive.
Some Features
When planning an aquarium design, you need to take into account that the hygrophila willow, growing, so to speak, from the inside, does not at all seek to leave the aquatic environment. It will spread along the surface, trying not to part with the usual conditions. But if you plant a cutting grown out of water, as soon as it reaches its border, it will rush to the light source and will try to avoid underwateraccommodation.
The appearance of the plant is strongly affected by the intensity of the lamp illuminating it. Its brightness will cause the leaf veins to turn brownish red.
When growing surface hygrophila, lighting should be considered in such a way that the plant does not get direct sunlight. Moreover, rather high air humidity is required, otherwise the branches will try to go under water. Humidity is especially important if you want your Willow Hygrophila to bloom: dryness will kill the apex.
The plant has another positive quality: when spawning, it makes a wonderful substrate.
How to increase the plantation
In the event that it seems to you that not all of the allotted space is occupied by the hygrophila willifolia, reproduction can be done in two ways.
- Shanks. For them, 4 whorls are most suitable, in this case the acceptance is maximum. It is better to plant them in separate containers, which account for different illumination and water flow. It is advisable to soften the water, change it regularly and remove excess organic matter.
- Leaves. The plucked material is left to float on the surface until noticeable roots appear. The method is longer and laborious, since the sleeping kidney must be separated and carefully deepened into the ground.
Rejuvenation and its necessity
It is worth noting that the thickets that forms the willow hygrophila must be rejuvenated. Plants whose stems have become almost bare must be removed; if you want thick leafy underside, you should pinch the top. By not doing this, you run the risk of finding only bare stems in the aquarium one day, which is not at all perfect. If the situation is ignored, the stems can fill almost the entire space, lying parallel to the bottom.
Aquarium population and its relationship with hygrophila
Hygrophila willowleaf is also good because it successfully survives even in domestic ponds inhabited by herbivorous fish. The same yulidochromis or elongatus eat only young leaves, without harming the plant as a whole. Minor digs of the hygrophile are also not terrible, it has a powerful enough root system to hold the plant in case of partial damage.
