1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, in “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea,” Captain Nemo’s Nautilus was surrounded by coral reefs and plants. I’ve fallen in love with the underwater world! I wonder, are there plants that resemble those vibrant, colorful plants from the story?
【Professor】Ah, that’s an excellent question! You’ve got quite an exquisite taste. There is a beautiful aquatic plant called Nesaea that might pique your interest. It is not as extravagant as the coral reefs in the story but is still quite stunning. In fact, it is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll discuss the characteristics, cultivation, precautions, and more about Nesaea plants.
2. Characteristics
【Child】 I picture a river veiled with a canopy of trees, much like the Lothlórien from “The Lord of the Rings,” but this time underwater. What does a Nesaea plant look like?
【Professor】Your imagination always impresses me! Nesaea is indeed a captivating plant. Its appearance is characterized by its beautiful golden-yellow to red leaves, making it stand out in an aquarium. Their slender stems grow up to 30 cm tall, with leaves arranged in whorls of two to six. Nesaea is versatile and can be used in various aquarium layouts, including large or nano aquariums.
Depending on the planting position, one can achieve maximum growth and beauty by placing Nesaea in the middle or background areas of the aquarium. It creates a vibrant contrast against green plants and—a gift to aquarium viewers—adds depth to the scenery.
3. Cultivation
【Child】 In “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the caterpillar said one side would make you grow taller, and the other side will make you grow shorter. So, tell me, can anybody cultivate Nesaea, or do they need a special touch from the green-thumbed goddess Demeter?
【Professor】(chuckles) Well, you don’t need divine intervention, but cultivating Nesaea can be moderately difficult—somewhere between a beginner and an expert. Their delicate nature demands specific conditions for optimal growth.
Light amount/CO2: Moderate to high lighting and CO2 injection help Nesaea plants thrive.
pH, GH, kH: Nesaea prefers slightly acidic to neutral water (pH 6-7), with a general hardness (GH) and carbonate hardness (kH) of between 3-8 dGH and 3-7 dKH.
Temperature: This plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 22–28°C.
Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is essential for Nesaea’s growth.
Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer and root tabs also contribute to its prosperity.
As for propagation, Nesaea can be multiplied both underwater and above water. The most common method is cuttings. When a stem becomes long, simply cut it and replant the top portion, leaving the bottom to grow new shoots.
4. Precautions
【Child】In “The Chronicles of Narnia,” it was said that “Aslan” would warn the inhabitants of Narnia about certain dangers. So, Professor, can you tell me the precautions that we should take when cultivating Nesaeas and their coexistence with other organisms?
【Professor】Certainly! One must be mindful of the delicate nature of Nesaea plants. Make sure to provide proper water parameters, lighting, CO2, and fertilization, as they can be fussy about their environment. If you notice their leaves falling off, they might be signaling their dissatisfaction with the water quality or light.
When considering Nesaea’s tank mates, remember that some fish and invertebrates may nibble on its beautiful leaves. Aim to keep them with non-aggressive or plant-friendly species like tetras, rasboras, and cherry shrimps to avoid damage to the plants.
5. Summary
【Child】What a delightful journey we took under the sea! Now that we’ve explored the captivating world of Nesaea, can you give me a quick summary of our adventure?
【Professor】Indeed, my curious friend! Nesaea is a fascinating aquatic plant with stunning golden-yellow to red leaves that add a touch of elegance to any aquarium. Cultivating Nesaea can be moderately challenging, so make sure to provide the proper environment and nutrients they need. Be cautious with their coexistence with other organisms to maintain their beauty and ensure their well-being.
By understanding their characteristics and giving them the care they deserve, Nesaea can bring profound joy and charm to your underwater realm. Now, you can dive into the deep world of aquatic plants, just like your favorite literary characters! Happy planting!