1. Introduction
Child: Professor, have you ever read “The Secret Garden”? I just finished it a few days ago and I got very curious about growing beautiful plants like in the story, but underwater in my aquarium. Are there any aquatic plants that would make my aquarium look like a secret underwater garden?
Professor: Ah, “The Secret Garden”, a classic and magical story! Well, you’re in for a treat because I know of a beautiful aquatic plant that can make your aquarium look enchanting – the Rotala Macrandra Variegated. In this article, we’ll discuss its characteristics, cultivation, precautions, and a summary of how to make your aquarium look like an underwater secret garden with this remarkable plant.
2. Characteristics
Child: What makes the Rotala Macrandra Variegated so magical, Professor? Does it glow in the dark or change colors like the magical plants in “Alice in Wonderland”?
Professor: Though it doesn’t exactly glow in the dark or change colors like the plants in Wonderland, the Rotala Macrandra Variegated is still quite magical in its own way. The leaves are oblong-shaped and range in color from a bright green to a dark red. In ideal conditions, the leaves will take on a beautiful, deep red hue. The plant grows upwards in thick stems, creating a dense canopy, almost resembling a miniature underwater forest!
Child: How grand! Are there any limitations to where the Rotala Macrandra Variegated can be placed in my aquarium?
Professor: Indeed, this wondrous plant has some preferences regarding its placement. For a small aquarium, it’s best to place it towards the background, while in a larger aquarium, it can serve as a mid-ground plant. Its dense growth can create an impressive focal point, and as it reaches its maximum size of around 30-50 cm, its effect on the aquarium layout will become more magnificent.
3. Cultivation
Child: Professor, is cultivating the Rotala Macrandra Variegated something that any common adventurer could achieve, or do I need to have the green thumb of a master gardener like Mary Lennox from “The Secret Garden”?
Professor: Cultivating Rotala Macrandra Variegated, I must admit, can be quite challenging. It’s primarily suited for experienced aquarists. However, with dedication, even a beginner can learn to grow this beautiful plant.
To flourish, it requires ample light, supplementary CO2, and a well-balanced nutrient supply. Maintaining a pH between 5-7 and keeping the general/ carbonate hardness (GH/ kH) levels stable are essential. The optimal temperature range is 22-28℃, and the substrate should be nutrient-rich or supplemented with fertilizer.
Propagation-wise, it can be done by cutting the stem and planting the top part in the substrate, or even by emersed cultivation in a humid environment.
4. Precautions
Child: Oh dear, it seems like tending to this plant may be a bit of an odyssey! Are there any precautions that Luffy, my pet fish named after the pirate from “One Piece”, and I need to be aware of?
Professor: Hahaha, Luffy, the fish pirate! I like that. Certain precautions should be taken to ensure the well-being of both Rotala Macrandra Variegated and its tank mates.
Firstly, watch out for any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances, as these can cause the plant to lose its vibrant red color. Secondly, some fish may take a liking to munching on the plant, so it’s essential to choose Rotala-macrandra-friendly fish. Finally, regular maintenance and trimming are needed to maintain the plant’s health and prevent it from outcompeting other plant species in the aquarium.
5. Summary
Child: So to sum it up, the Rotala Macrandra Variegated is a beautiful aquatic plant with leaves taking on a deep red hue under optimal conditions. Though it might be a bit of a challenge to cultivate, once it flourishes, it can create an enchanting underwater secret garden in my aquarium. But of course, precautions must be taken to ensure its beauty and coexistence with the others in the aquarium. Thank you, Professor!
Professor: You’re absolutely right, young explorer! The Rotala Macrandra Variegated is a fascinating aquatic plant that, when mastered, can elevate your aquarium’s aesthetics to mystical levels. With persistence and patience, you and Luffy will soon be enjoying your very own underwater secret garden. Good luck on this amazing aquatic adventure!