Do you dream of a living, emerald carpet at the bottom of your aquarium? Do you want it to look natural and well-groomed, but not require a ton of effort? Then you should definitely check out Echinodorus delicatissimus.
This amazing plant is one of the best options for creating a background lawn. Its bright green rosettes of narrow leaves grow rapidly, forming dense thickets. It looks very delicate and neat, perfectly complementing any underwater picture.
What is especially pleasing is that this Echinodorus is quite unpretentious. It adapts well to different conditions and grows even in moderate lighting. Both experienced aquarists and those just starting out can handle it. Let's figure out how to settle and grow this soft green carpet in your aquarium.
Distribution
Echinodorus tenellus grows in fresh water in reservoirs located in North, Central, and South America. It is also found in the Antilles. In its natural habitat, it grows up to 30 cm in height. However, it is not possible to grow Echinodorus to such sizes in artificial conditions.
This plant can be found both underwater and on the banks of reservoirs. In water, it grows mainly at shallow depths. However, it feels great in both small and deep aquariums.
Cultivation and care
Due to its uncomplicated requirements for maintenance, Echinodorus tenellus is popular with both novice and experienced aquarists. For a long time, it was the most commonly used foreground ground cover plant.
However, it lost its position as the undisputed leader when Utricularia graminifolia, Lileopsis brasiliensis, Hemanthus callitrichoides “Cuba,” and Glossostigma elatina began to be actively used in aquascaping.
Although in nature Echinodorus prefers water bodies with a low water level, in an aquarium it can grow at a depth of up to 50 cm if the conditions are right. Thanks to its good adaptability, it thrives not only in aquariums.
It can also be planted in terrariums and greenhouses. Since Echinodorus grows rapidly and the daughter bushes grow closer to each other over time, it is recommended to periodically thin out the carpet and siphon the soil.
Water parameters for ideal conditions
Since Echinodorus delicatissimus is found in many latitudes in nature and can adapt to various conditions, it is not difficult to create a comfortable environment for it in an aquarium. It is sufficient to maintain the following water parameters in the aquarium:
- acid-alkaline balance — 5.0-7.5.
The best option is water with a slightly alkaline reaction, a temperature of 23 to 25 degrees, and a hardness of 4º or slightly more. If the water is too soft, the leaves of the plant will suffer. First, they begin to rot, and then they may gradually fall off.
Echinodorus tenellus prefers clean water. Keeping it in murky water is undesirable, as the plant will receive less light. For the same reason, it is necessary to replace a quarter of the water in the aquarium weekly and install a powerful filter.
Lighting requirements
Echinodorus tenellus needs fairly bright lighting. This promotes the formation of a healthy bush and maintains its bright color.
The duration of daylight hours should be between 10 and 14 hours per day.
LED or fluorescent lamps can be used as lighting devices. The recommended power of daylight lamps is 0.4-0.5 W.
If you use 1 W/l lamps, the color of Echinodorus tenellus bushes changes to red or purple. However, this effect can also be observed in the absence of sufficient lighting and a lack of carbon dioxide.
It is worth noting that too much light will harm the plant. It will most likely burn the leaves, causing the bushes to turn yellow and begin to wilt.
Soil and nutrient substrate requirements
Experts recommend using nutrient substrates when growing Echinodorus delicatissimus. They provide this ground cover plant with nutrients, promote its acclimatization and reproduction.
Echinodorus roots are not very strong, so the substrate layer should be loose, no more than 2-3 cm high. ADA Aqua Soil Malaya can be used from professional soils. Of the entire line of aqua soils, it is the least nutritious, which is what Echinodorus tenellus requires.
Do not use overly coarse gravel. It is preferable that the size of the granules be comparable to river sand or small pebbles. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the plant to obtain nutrients through its root system, which will lead to the death of the Echinodorus.
Fertilizer requirements
- One of the positive features that simplifies the process of breeding delicate Echinodorus is its low requirements for feeding. In most cases, it obtains nutrients from the silt that gradually forms on the soil or from the nutrient-rich soil itself. However, this does not apply to densely populated aquariums.
- Fertilizer will also be needed if the echinodorus has been planted in a separate small container for quarantine. This often happens when fungus develops in the main aquarium. When it is time to return the bushes to their place, it is advisable to add additional micronutrients to new or thoroughly washed soil for better plant recovery after stress.
Echinodorus tenellus is the perfect choice for those who want to green up their aquarium without any hassle. It is easy to grow, even for beginners, and does not require bright light or special fertilizers. Its thin, elongated leaves sway gently in the water, creating the feeling of a living underwater lawn. Suitable for the foreground or middle ground, it makes the aquarium cozier and more natural. If you want beauty, peace, and nature in your balcony tank, this plant is definitely worth trying.
Propagation
In its underwater form, Echinodorus delicatissimus reproduces vegetatively. A few weeks after planting the first bushes in the aquarium, they form tendrils, on which shoots develop over time. They can be separated and transplanted after the first 3-4 leaves appear on the daughter shoot.
Echinodorus delicatissimus can also be propagated using seeds. In nutritious soil, they sprout quickly and produce new shoots.
Before planting Echinodorus tenellus in the main aquarium, it is recommended to keep it in a separate container in quarantine for a couple of weeks. Then the sprouts are planted in the soil, after making small holes in the substrate. Some aquarists transplant echinodorus bushes without cleaning them of soil.
Variations and forms of the plant
There are two varieties of Echinodorus in nature:
- Echinodorus tenellus var. Tenellus. It grows mainly in Brazil, Central America, and Cuba. It is also used in aquarium design because it is a perennial aquatic plant. Its flower stalks grow almost twice as long as its leaves. The leaf plates of this variation of Echinodorus tenellus are strongly tapered at the ends and slightly at the base.
- Echinodorus tenellus var. Parvulus. Unlike the main form, this Echinodorus is an annual plant. As a result, it is of no interest to aquascaping enthusiasts. Its leaves taper towards both the bottom and top of the plate. It has flower stalks that are almost the same length as the leaves. Its main habitats are southern Mexico, the states of Florida, Texas, Missouri, as well as Massachusetts and Cuba.
In conclusion, Echinodorus tenellus is the ideal choice for those who dream of a living, neat carpet at the bottom of their aquarium. Its soft, low-growing greenery creates a surprisingly natural and peaceful landscape that appeals to both fish and observers.
The plant is really easy to care for. Even a beginner, providing it with enough light and a little nutritious soil, will be able to enjoy its beauty. It does not require complicated manipulations with carbon dioxide or daily fertilization, which makes it accessible to most aquarists.
If you are looking for a way to transform your aquarium by adding volume and life to it, be sure to pay attention to this delicate beauty. It will become a versatile and rewarding backdrop that will highlight the beauty of any fish, from bright guppies to pensive catfish, and make your underwater world truly complete.
