When setting up an aquarium, it is important to ensure the correct planting of special plants to maintain normal gas exchange. To avoid problems, it is worth choosing unpretentious cultures. Schisandra hygrophila is a plant for an aquarium, which is widely distributed in the wild in the vastness of India, Malaysia and Indonesia. Often found in river waters in Thailand and America (Florida).
Description and features
A plant with bright green large leaves, it is characterized by rapid growth. In another way, it is also called nomafila strict. Hygrophila lemongrass takes root quickly after transplantation. Due to its unpretentiousness and ease of care, the plant is popular with both experienced and beginner aquarists. The length of the plant can reach 40 centimeters. The width of the sheet is from six to thirteen centimeters. It is the rapid growth rates that distinguish lemongrass from other aquarium plants.
The stems often reachwater surface. But this is not recommended, as a shadow may form. This plant is suitable for both small and fairly large aquariums. However, even for such an unpretentious culture, it is important to ensure proper planting and care. To do this, you should follow the recommendations of professional aquarists.
Fitting advice
Propagation of the plant is carried out by cuttings. All you need to do is cut off a few sprigs of lemongrass and plant them in the ground. After a while, the root system appears. Thanks to this, the plant quickly takes root and begins to develop.
Lemongrass should be planted five or six branches in one hole throughout the back and side walls of the aquarium. Under the right planting conditions, it will grow rapidly, forming large thickets in the aquarium, which will adversely affect the he alth of its inhabitants. It is important that the aquarium is not oversaturated with plants. Therefore, lemongrass should be planted in several holes, without overloading the soil and without taking away the habitat from the fish. In order for hygrophila lemongrass to grow properly, it should provide:
- high-quality, most nutritious soil;
- timely pruning;
- replacement of one-fifth of the aquarium water (weekly).
Containment conditions
Hygrophile lemongrass is important correctly chosen temperature regime. The optimum temperature is 24-27 ° C. Change 20% of the water every weekaquarium.
Schisandra will grow faster if the current is directed at it. To do this, you should purchase a quality filter. Therefore, you should not save on his choice. In this case, the structure and density of the soil is not important. The only condition when choosing soil for lemongrass is a nutrient medium.
The plant needs to be thinned out from time to time so that the thickets are not too dense. This factor must be constantly monitored. An exception can be made for the dwarf Schisandra hygrophila. This plant is compact and slow growing.
Schisandra for the aquarium started in Holland, and now it is popular all over the world. The plant perfectly adapts to the water and its inhabitants, so it is perfect for any aquarium. For good and proper growth, it is worth considering that lemongrass should grow in light of two to three watts per gallon.
Problems when growing a plant
Hygrophila lemongrass is an undemanding plant. However, there may be certain problems with its cultivation. One of the disadvantages of the plant is the loss of the lower leaves. The reason for this is insufficient lighting in the lower part of the aquarium. And the upper leaves for the lower ones form a shadow that does not transmit light. Therefore, regular trimming of the plant should be carried out.
General recommendations
In order for hygrophila lemongrass to please the eye and create a favorable environment in the aquarium, it is worth cutting it off and caring for it in a timely manner. The height of the plant should not reach the surface of the water. Regular, correct andappropriate pruning will increase the diameter of the bushes.
In addition, hygrophila likes regular water changes, so some of it needs to be changed weekly. Such care ensures that the plant will be beautiful and thick. And what is important - the aquarium inhabitants will be comfortable in it. It is better to purchase a plant in specialized stores or departments, where consultants can tell you everything in detail regarding planting and care.
