Aquarium plant piste, or water-salad: the description, photo, content

Plants in the aquarium – is not just a decorative element, but an important practical component. In their thicket fish can hide during spawning, shelter from sunlight in shaded corners, or just to hide that I love to do fry. Lovers of aquatic life often grow beautiful aquarium plant. Piste - that's his name.

Description

The Piste has several names: water cabbage, water lettuce, water rose. This plant received their name from the special shape of its leaves which do resemble a head, a Bud or a wall outlet. Water cabbage loves the heat, so it grows in tropical Africa, Asia, Australia and America. In favourable conditions, exotic plant can delay the entire surface of a lake or river. And then opens with a stunner: the water surface is covered with bluish-green velvety rosettes. By the way, very beautiful these aquarium plants photos in the article confirm this.

The Leaves of plants are always left to float on the surface. But the whitish root system extends down to the bottom of the aquarium (30 cm depth). Over time, it can buy a black or bluish color. And this is the norm. The leaves of the water sprouts can grow up to 25 centimeters in length. Outlets often reach 40 cm in diameter. Particularly large specimens rise to a height of 15 centimeters. Remarkably, the structure of water lettuce on top of the leaves never get wet.

If the plant is getting enough light and heat, it will produce small flowers are whitish or yellowish. They are pretty similar in appearance to a miniature Calla lilies that will add a special charm to the aquarium. It is strange that this plant is considered a weed in natural habitats.

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Features of plants

Not all plants can adapt to aquarium conditions. But the piste is excellent and growing in natural and artificial waters. Water cabbage is a great filter, due to its roots. They attract suspended particles absorb organic substances dissolved in the liquid, to regulate the level of heavy metal salts. Piste in the aquarium with its hairy root system will be a good refuge for fry and adult fish during spawning, which is very important to ensure that they are not disturbed.

Under favourable conditions, water lettuce grows across the surface of the aquarium, shading the bottom and the thickness of the water. Of course, the view is beautiful, but some types of fish and plants is not suitable. So if you don't want the piste occupied the entire volume of the aquarium, use a small trick. Certain area limit synthetic thread, pulling it just above the water surface.

The conditions In which to contain the piste?

The Water lettuce is considered a low-maintenance plant. But, if you want, that it pleased you with beautiful rosettes or flowering, it is necessary to observe some conditions. So, for the plants at a comfortable temperature of around 19 degrees in winter and summer – 24-30 degrees. In too cool water this flora will not die, but will simply develop more slowly.

Lighting is a big influence on aquarium plant: piste likes bright light. He needs to work on it for quite a long period (within 12 hours). As a light source suitable for fluorescent devices. But ordinary incandescent lights is better to refuse, because they can burn the leaves of plants. Also pay attention to the humidity, which should be high enough. To provide the necessary, just cover the aquarium glass cover.

Feeding

During periods of rapid growth (spring and summer) in the additional minerals and trace elements needs of aquarium plant. Piste requires feeding. It is preferable to use complex fertilizers with a small content of iron. On stolitrovyh aquarium will need 1.5-2 grams of nutrients.

How to understand that the piste is in need of fertilizing? Pay attention to the roots. If the water has enough trace elements and minerals, they will look completely normal. If the root system tends to occupy a larger volume of the aquarium, so it tends to consume more of organic substances.

Insect repellent

In the hottest time of the year, all aquarium plants that grow on the surface of water exposed to the attack of various insects. So they have to handle toxic chemicals. Treatment of the plants is the same as in greenhouse and vegetable crops. Remove infected plants from the aquarium and treat substance according to instructions. Then rinse the leaves under running water and place the piste back into place.

Reproduction

During the active period, which starts in early spring and ends in late autumn, piste expands with new force. During this time she can produce up to fifty side-shoots. From the parent plant they can be separated when they appear two or three leaves, and the socket will rise to five or six inches in diameter.

When a child shoots cut during growth they need to be put inswamp moss. Don't forget that aquarium plant piste loves high humidity. During this period, have to withstand temperatures at around 13 degrees. The grown specimens can be planted in the aquarium or pond.

Rest Period

It Lasts long just a few winter months. At this time you need to reduce the activity of caring for water cabbage, so she has time to gain strength for the discharge of new shoots. What do I need? Do not add the dressing to the aquarium, dim lighting and rarely change the water. By the way, in the active growth period of the plants this should be done every week.

Water cabbage in the pond

In the pond piste, you can start at the beginning of June, when water temperature rises to 15 degrees. It is important that in the water was fertile soil from which the roots can take nutrients. Water lettuce will be the perfect party pads, the sitniki, sedges and ornamental grasses.

You still do not want to settle at home these exotic aquatic plants? The photo in the article convey only a small part of how beautiful they are. And easy to care for attracts not only beginners but also experienced aquarists.