In the large and diverse family of milkweeds, where most plants prefer dry land, there is one amazing exception. This is the floating philanthus, a modest plant that has chosen a completely different environment for its life.
Unlike its relatives such as poinsettia or milkweed, it lives in the calm waters of tropical ponds and swamps. It looks quite simple: a rosette of small leaves lies on the surface of the water, and thin thread-like roots go down.
Its unassuming appearance is deceptive. Philanthus natans is a true pioneer and survival specialist. It has masterfully adapted to an aquatic lifestyle, making it a unique subject for study. How did it manage to do this among euphorbias, which are accustomed to completely different conditions?
Distribution
Floating philanthus grows in South America. It can be found in the Amazon River basin, particularly in Peru and Brazil. In nature, the plant can be found both on the surface of the water and on clay soils.
Growing and care
Phyllanthus fluitans is quite demanding in terms of conditions, so growing it can be difficult for beginners. However, experienced aquarists will enjoy the plant's rich red leaves. Floating phyllanthus helps create the diffused lighting required for some species of fish and aquatic plants.
This representative of aquatic flora must be kept in medium or large open-type aquariums. It will be too cramped for it in small containers. Some owners of Phyllanthus fluitans prefer to plant it in humid greenhouses or paludariums.
Water parameters for ideal conditions
As experts note, the recommended values for hydrochemical indicators depend on the level of lighting in the aquarium. Let's consider the recommended values for moderate and strong light flux.
With medium intensity lighting, the following parameters must be maintained:
- hardness — 1-8 German degrees;
- acid-alkaline balance — 5-6.
If the plant receives a large amount of light, the acceptable values change:
- hardness — from 8 to 14 German degrees, possibly even higher;
- acid-alkaline balance — 5-7.
When setting up the filter, it is important not to create a strong current. Floating phyllanthus prefers water bodies with a slow water flow.
Lighting requirements
As noted by owners of floating phyllanthus, the decorative properties of the plant are best revealed in bright lighting.
It is recommended to use fluorescent lamps with a power of 0.8 W/l. Phyllanthus fluitans is very light-loving. As noted above, it is necessary to determine in advance how much light will enter the aquarium and adjust the hydrochemical parameters accordingly.
Soil and nutrient substrate requirements
Although Phyllanthus fluitans has a developed root system, it is a floating plant that does not need a nutrient substrate. In this matter, it is necessary to focus on other plants in the aquarium. Let's consider two options:
- Green “neighbors” planted in the ground have powerful root systems. In this case, you can use simple soil made of sand, gravel, or pebbles, and feed the solitary plants with tableted fertilizers.
- Other plants in the aquarium need a nutrient substrate. For example, solid fertilizers can damage the root system, or liquid fertilizers may not be sufficient. In this case, it is necessary to select soils that will not significantly affect the hydrochemical parameters. Phyllanthus fluitans is quite sensitive to them.
Fertilizer requirements
When growing Phyllanthus fluitans, it is necessary to add a lot of iron-containing fertilizers. The higher the concentration of this microelement, the more chances there are to get beautiful leaves of a rich red color. It is advisable to use liquid fertilizers with iron chelates. In this form, the necessary element is better absorbed by plants.
The following fertilizers are the most popular among aquarists:
- Tetra Plant Flora Pride Red is a liquid fertilizer for red aquarium plants. In addition to a large amount of iron, it contains potassium and manganese. The fertilizer is absorbed evenly through the leaves and helps maintain their rich red color. It does not contain phosphates or nitrates.
- JBL Ferropol 24 is a fertilizer that must be added daily. It helps maintain bright leaf color, dissolves quickly in water, and is easily absorbed by aquatic plants.
- Florastim Fe is a liquid fertilizer with chelated divalent iron and a high content of trace elements necessary for the healthy growth of aquarium plants.
The plant does not have a strong need for carbon dioxide, but as a preventive measure and to maintain healthy growth, carbon dioxide can be added at a concentration of 3-5 mg/l.
Reproduction
Fillanthus natans reproduces vegetatively by independent division. Side shoots are used for reproduction.
Floating Philanthus is an amazing plant that, despite belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family, lives directly in water. It drifts freely in calm waters without anchoring its roots in the ground and survives by adapting to conditions in which most of its relatives would simply perish. It is the only euphorbia that has completely adapted to an aquatic environment, making it a true exception in its family.
Variations and forms of the plant
Among the Euphorbiaceae family, to which floating phyllanthus belongs, almost all species grow on land. Only Phyllanthus fluitans is an aquatic plant.
This species has adapted to life in water over thousands of years and has become a unique representative of Phyllanthus, which can exist both in open clay soil and in water bodies. Other phyllanthus species are shrubs, grasses, trees, or desert succulents.
Salvinia auriculata, also known as floating salvinia, is similar in appearance to floating phyllanthus.
It originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America, but is now widespread on other continents.
Salvinia auriculata can be found in swamps and other freshwater bodies with stagnant water. It is also commonly known as floating salvinia.
It is rarely cultivated in aquariums because it is an annual plant.
Floating phyllanthus is a remarkable exception to the rule. While all its relatives in the Euphorbiaceae family stand firmly on the ground, it has chosen a completely different element for its life. This small, free-floating fern reminds us that nature is always ready to surprise us with its unexpected twists and turns of evolution.
Its existence in water is a masterful example of adaptation. The plant has completely abandoned its roots, learned to absorb nutrients directly through its leaves, and found an original way to reproduce. It does not just survive in water, but feels at home there, demonstrating amazing vitality.
Observing the delicate rosettes of phyllanthus on the surface of the pond, one realizes how diverse and inventive life is. This modest plant is living proof that even within the same family, completely different life forms can exist. It breaks our stereotypes about how related species should look and where they should live.
Thus, floating philanthus is more than just an aquatic plant. It is a symbol of flexibility and uniqueness in the world of flora, a reminder of the infinite diversity of the natural world that awaits its explorers even in the most ordinary body of water.
