1. Introduction
Child: Professor, do you remember that scene in “The Secret Garden” where Mary discovers a world of lush foliage and vibrant flowers hidden behind a wall? I’ve been wondering if we can recreate something like that in an aquarium.
Professor: Ah, I see you wish to nurture a magical underwater world, just like Mary’s secret garden. A perfect plant to introduce you to is Anubias heterophylla. In this conversation, we will talk about its characteristics, cultivation, precautions, and the magic it can bring to your aquarium.
2. Characteristics
Child: So, Professor, if Anubias heterophylla were a character in a fairy tale, how would you describe its appearance and traits?
Professor: A fascinating question! Imagine Anubias heterophylla as a graceful dancer. Her dark green leaves are like enchanted skirts that sway gently in the aquatic currents. The leaves are usually heart-shaped or lance-shaped, and they grow on rhizomes, a kind of horizontal stem.
Child: And how about her preferred stage? Can she perform in any size of aquarium, and what’s the maximum size she can grow?
Professor: This prima ballerina is quite versatile. She can dance gracefully in small to large aquariums alike. Depending on her planting position, she can grow up to 20-30 cm tall, making her a beautiful focal point, especially in mid-ground or background layouts.
3. Cultivation
Child: In “The Secret Garden,” the garden thrives due to Mary’s dedication and the expert guidance from Dickon. Is growing Anubias heterophylla something that even a novice like Mary could accomplish?
Professor: Lucky for you and Mary, Anubias heterophylla is quite hardy and can be considered beginner-friendly. This plant is not as demanding as some divas in light requirements; it can thrive under low to moderate light conditions. It is also rather adaptable when it comes to CO2 levels, pH, GH, and KH.
Child: Ah, but even the best of gardens need proper care. How about factors like temperature, bottom sand, fertilizer, and propagation above and under the water?
Professor: A keen observation, indeed! Anubias heterophylla prefers temperatures between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. Regarding the substrate, it should be kept in mind that its rhizomes shouldn’t be buried, as they might rot—so you can attach them to rocks or driftwood. As for fertilizers, while not strictly necessary, you can use liquid fertilizers for better growth. Above water, propagation can happen by division of rhizomes, while underwater, adventitious shoots grow from the rhizome, which can be separated and used for propagation.
4. Precautions
Child: Creeping through “The Secret Garden,” Mary had to be mindful at every step. Are there any precautions we need to take when growing Anubias heterophylla?
Professor: While Anubias heterophylla is generally a hardy and easily cultivated plant, there are a few precautions to be aware of. For one, make sure that you don’t plant it too deep, as we mentioned before. Also, beware of algae growth, as it tends to grow on slow-growing plants, so proper tank maintenance is crucial. It is also essential to consider the compatibility between Anubias heterophylla and other aquatic organisms, so keep an eye on herbivorous fish, as they might find your beautiful plant to be quite a snack.
5. Summary
Child: Professor, it seems like Anubias heterophylla can be the perfect addition to my underwater Secret Garden. Would you help me summarize its charm?
Professor: Of course! Anubias heterophylla captivates our hearts with its elegant, dark green leaves that grow on rhizomes. It is relatively easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners putting together their first underwater garden. While cultivating it, be mindful of the light, temperature, and tank conditions that allow it to thrive. Pay attention to proper planting and coexistence with other organisms. So, get ready, young Mary, to create a magical underwater realm with this enchanting aquatic plant!