HYGROFILA LOVOYLNAYA: photo, reproduction, content in the aquarium

For an aquarist, it is important not only the population of the home pond, but also its design. And in this respect the leading role is played by the vegetation planted in the aquarium. Important is not only its decorative, but also the ease of care. If you use a capricious plant, then you will spend more time supporting it than taking care of the main asset of the "pool" - fish. Almost the ideal planting on this side is the hygrophilous species. It is rather unpretentious, it is amphibian, which allows it to be used for external design, and moreover it is beautiful in any design ideas.

Description of the plant

HYGROFILA Ivolistna (photo attached) got its name due to the appearance of its leaflets. In form they are almost identical to the leaves of all known willows. The color of the foliage has a rich green color, dark shades. They grow from stiff and long stems of a reddish hue, growing vertically. If the conditions of the maintenance suit the plant, the hygrophila willowwort quickly forms the dense thickets, serving as a refuge for both fry and adult fish.

If the plant releases leaves above the surface of the water, they are shorter than those under it - an average of eight centimeters against 10-12. But the petioles are obtained longer, which is actively used in reproduction. The color of the above-water leaves is also lighter, both on top of the plate and from below. The same remark applies to veins: they are darker in the water leaves, in air - lighter than the general color.

Hygrophilus and Lilac - content

Despite all the unpretentiousness of this aquarium plant, some requirements must be met if you want your thickets not to thin.

1. Temperature regime. Do not forget that the hygrophilous species is a tropical plant that got into our aquariums from Southeast Asia. The optimum degree is 22-28 degrees Celsius. The plant does not feel bad either, at constant higher temperatures. But their decrease affects him negatively.
2. Acidity of water is desirable neutral. PH fluctuations between 6.5 and 7.5 are permissible. At other values, the plant will wither and die with time.
3. Hygrophilous leaves require quite intensive illumination. It should fit within the limits of 0.4-0.6 W / l, and the light day should be no less than 10 (or better 12) hours. Otherwise, with a prolonged lack of light, the plant begins to grow with algae, the most active of which is the "black beard". From this the plantation almost inevitably perishes.

Hygrophyle also enjoys the water flow very much. Therefore, it is better to plant it closer to the filter or along the back wall, along which the stream flows.

A bit about the ground

For the successful growth of hygrophil, the ivory in the aquarium needs a certain amount of silt. For its spontaneous formation requires sand or the smallest gravel, the fraction of which should not exceed 0.6 mm. When planting for a better survival under the root, it will be wise to put a piece of clean clay. The layer of soil - not less than 3 cm, and better - 5. If such a thick layer is superfluous (for aesthetic reasons or in connection with the characteristics of the fish contingent), then the hygrophilic species is planted in shallow pots. True, this will prevent its growth. However, in a single landing, it also looks very impressive.

Some features

When planning aquarium design, it should be borne in mind that the hygrophilous species that grows, so to speak, from within does not at all tend to leave the aquatic environment. She will travel along the surface, trying not to part with the usual conditions. But if you plant a stem grown outside the water, after reaching its boundary, it will rush to the light source and will try to avoid underwater placement.

The intensity of the illuminating lamp strongly affects the appearance of the plant. Its brightness will cause the leaf veins to turn a brownish-red hue.

When growing a surface hygrophil, lighting should be thought through in such a way that the sun does not directly hit the plant. Moreover, a rather high air humidity is required, otherwise the branches will try to escape under water. Humidity is especially important in the event that you want your hygrophilous foliage to bloom: dryness leads to the death of apex.

The plant has one more positive quality: when spawning it produces a remarkable 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 hygrophilous species, reproduction can be carried out in two ways.

1. Cuttings. For them, most fit 4 whorls, in this case, the maximum acceptance. They are best planted in separate containers, which have different illumination and water flow. It is desirable to soften the water, change it regularly and remove excess organic matter.
2. Leaflets. The plucked material is left to float on the surface until noticeable roots appear. The method is longer and more labor-intensive, since the sleeping kidney needs to be separated and carefully deepened into the ground.

Rejuvenation and its necessity

It is worth noting that the overgrowth that forms the hygrophilous species, it is necessary to rejuvenate. Plants, the stems of which have become almost naked, need to be removed; If you need a thick leaf from below, you should pinch the top. Not doing this, you run the risk of one not a beautiful day to find in the aquarium only bare stems. If you ignore the situation, stems can fill almost the entire space, located parallel to the bottom.

Aquarium population and its relationship with hygrophilous

The hygrophilus is also good for surviving even in domestic ponds inhabited by herbivorous fish. The same yulidochromis or elongatus only eat young leaves, without harming the plant as a whole. Insignificant digging of the hygrophyle is also not terrible, it has a powerful root system to hold the plant partially damaged.