1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, have you heard of the story “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett? It’s about a hidden paradise where plants and creatures come to life. It made me curious about aquatic plants in aquariums. Would it be like having my own secret underwater garden? Can you tell me more about aquatic plants?
【Professor】: What an intriguing way of looking at it! Indeed, having an aquarium with lush aquatic plants can be like having a secret underwater world in your own home! In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of aquatic plants, covering their characteristics, cultivation, precautions, and more. Are you ready to explore this verdant underwater paradise?
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Let’s start by knowing more about these plants, shall we? How do they look like? Do they grow in different shapes and colors like the enchanted flowers from Greek mythology that could change their appearance?
【Professor】: That’s a beautiful analogy. While they may not change their appearance magically, aquatic plants do come in various shapes, colors, and growth habits. For example, some plants, like Anubias or Java fern, have wide, sturdy leaves that provide good hiding spots for fish, while others, like Vallisneria, have delicate, ribbon-like leaves that sway gracefully in the water.
You can use different aquatic plants to create a layout that suits the size of your aquarium. For instance, foreground plants like Dwarf Baby Tears or Monte Carlo form a low carpet, while background plants such as Amazon Swords or Cabomba can grow tall and create a stunning backdrop for your aquatic world.
3. Cultivation
【Child】: In Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Titania had fairies to help her care for her garden. Do we need magical creatures to help us grow our aquatic plants, or can mere mortals like us do it? Can you enlighten me on the process of cultivating aquatic plants?
【Professor】: Ah, no magical fairies needed for aquatic plants, though their enchanting beauty might make it seem otherwise! Cultivation can range from easy to challenging, depending on the plant species and the conditions they require.
Factors that affect their growth include the amount of light, CO2 levels, pH, GH, kH, temperature, substrate type, and fertilization. Beginner-friendly plants such as Anubias or Java moss are hardy and can thrive in various conditions; however, some species like Red Tiger Lotus or Rotala Wallichii may require more care and attention.
Aquatic plants can propagate underwater, while some can also grow emersed or out of the water. Different plants reproduce through various methods like rhizome division, runners, or stem cuttings.
4. Precautions
【Child】: If I were to create my own underwater garden like the artist Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, what precautions should I keep in mind to maintain harmony among plants and other creatures in the aquarium?
【Professor】: Your artistic sensibilities never cease to amaze! Ensuring the harmony of your underwater garden involves paying attention to the plants’ requirements, like their optimal water parameters and avoidance of overcrowding.
Additionally, be mindful of the compatibility of aquatic plants and their tank mates. Some fish, such as goldfish or cichlids, may be notorious plant nibblers. On the other hand, many shrimp and snails can be beneficial to your aquatic garden by helping clean up algae or dead plant matter.
5. Summary
【Child】: We’ve explored the world of aquatic plants just like Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Can you please summarize our journey, Professor?
【Professor】: Certainly! We’ve discussed the rich diversity of aquatic plants in terms of shape, color, and growth habits, their cultivation, and the precautions needed when growing them. Creating your own underwater paradise unveils a fascinating world of lush plants and aquatic life that awaits your curiosity and care, just like the captivating secret garden you mentioned. I hope this knowledge helps you become a skilled aquascaper and uncover the wonders of your own underwater Eden.