1. Introduction
【Child】Oh wise Professor, I recently read about the mythical Garden of Eden and its lush greenery. It got me thinking, can we recreate such a paradise underwater for our fish to enjoy? Is there an aquatic plant we can use?
【Professor】An insightful question, young one! Aquatic plants indeed add an element of paradise to our aquariums, creating an ecological balance and natural beauty. The Garten der Unterwasserwel, or underwater Eden, you dream of can be achieved with the help of plants such as Echinodorus parviflorus. In this conversation, I shall share with you the exquisite attributes, cultivation methods, and extra knowledge to grow this aquatic wonder, sometimes also known as the Black Amazon Sword.
2. Characteristics
【Child】Quick, Professor! Paint me a picture of this Echinodorus parviflorus with your words. What does it look like? How will it grace my fish tank?
【Professor】Ah, imagine a green oceanic meadow gently swaying underwater—a breathtaking sight indeed! Echinodorus parviflorus is a rosette-forming plant with magnificent elongated, sword-like leaves that extend gracefully. Their colors range from deep green to reddish hues.
These plants are quite versatile and can be used in various aquarium layouts, from small nano tanks to large displays. They make for splendid mid-ground or background elements, with a maximum height of 30 to 50 centimeters. In smaller tanks, they can be the centerpiece, while in larger tanks, they can create enchanting underwater forests.
3. Cultivation
【Child】I am thrilled to grow this aqua-marvel, dear Professor. However, I must confess, I am but a mere novice. Is cultivating this alluring aquatic gem too advanced for a beginner like me?
【Professor】Fear not, young one, for this elegant belle of the underwater ball is suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists. To ensure it thrives, you must care for its light intensity, water parameters, substrate, and nutrients.
It requires moderate to high lighting, ideally around 0.5 watts per liter. However, the alluring reddish hues on the leaves show their true beauty under medium to high light intensity.
With water parameters such as pH, GH, and KH, Echinodorus parviflorus is quite adaptable, although it prefers a slightly acidic pH of 6.5-7, and soft to moderately hard water (GH 4-12 dGH). Maintain a water temperature within a comfortable range of 22 to 28 degrees Celsius.
For the bottom substratum, choose a nutrient-rich substrate with a layer of clay or laterite to make its roots feel at home. And like any great artist, it requires a bit of supplementation to flourish. Dose your aquatic Eden with liquid fertilizer or CO2 injections to provide essential macro and micro-nutrients to help it grow.
And as for propagation, it reproduces through side shoot formation and can form daughter plants both underwater and above water. Simply detach the side shoots when they gain sufficient size (about four to five leaves) and anchor them to your substrate to start a new Echinodorus parviflorus plantlet.
4. Precautions
【Child】Now, dear Professor, with this knowledge, I am almost ready to embark upon my aquarium adventure. But like young Icarus, I recognize that I must not fly too close to the sun. What precautions must I take with Echinodorus parviflorus?
【Professor】A wise reference. Your wisdom is boundless, young one! First, be cautious while planting Echinodorus parviflorus, for its roots can suffocate when pushed too deep into the substrate. Lightly bury the roots and be gentle with the rhizome—this delicate part needs to bathe in the water column.
It’s essential to regularly trim the older leaves that have turned yellow or have algae growth. This allows the plant to focus energy on new growth and maintain healthy foliage.
Echinodorus parviflorus is a peaceful plant that cohabits well with other aquatic fauna, although it’s advisable to avoid boisterous, plant-nipping fish like Oscars, Jack Dempseys, or Silver Dollars.
5. Summary
【Child】Ah, Professor, your teachings are like sunlight to my aquatic garden. Would you kindly summarize this poetic tale of Echinodorus parviflorus once more for the young bard in me?
【Professor】Of course! Echinodorus parviflorus is a splendid aquatic plant suitable for all skill levels in aquatic gardening. With its elongated, sword-like leaves and versatility in size and planting positions, it creates an enchanting underwater landscape. Attention to lighting, water parameters, substrate, and nutrients ensures a thriving aquatic paradise. Lastly, be cautious with planting depth, and avoid introducing incompatible tankmates to ensure the harmonious growth of your underwater Eden.