1. Introduction
Child: Professor, have you ever read the novel “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne?
Professor: Of course! It’s a classic adventure story about a thrilling underwater journey.
Child: I imagined how marvelous it would be to create a world like that in an aquarium, with aquatic plants as the main character. I’m particularly curious about the African Water Fern. Can you tell me more about it?
Professor: What a wonderful and imaginative idea. African Water Fern, scientifically known as Bolbitis heudelotii, resembles delicate underwater foliage and creates an ethereal atmosphere in an aquarium. Let’s delve deeper into its characteristics, cultivation, and how to grow it while taking care of other creatures in your aquarium.
2. Characteristics
Child: Professor, when you look at a lush green forest or a beautiful painting filled with various shades of green, it stirs up all kinds of emotions, doesn’t it? So, what colors and shapes of leaves does an African Water Fern possess that could create such a scene in an aquarium?
Professor: I completely agree with your sentiment. The African Water Fern has dark green, pinnately divided leaves that grow from a hairy rhizome. The leaves are lance-shaped and vary from 5-15 cm in length. It is a slow-growing plant, making it ideal for various aquarium sizes. With proper planting positions and growth optimisation, it can create captivating scenes in the underwater world.
3. Cultivation
Child: Professor, cultivating plants seems a bit like nurturing love in a relationship, don’t you think? One must be gentle and patient, and know the right conditions to make love prosper. So, what kind of aquarium conditions does an African Water Fern need to thrive, and is it a plant for beginners or experienced individuals?
Professor: (laughs softly) That is an interesting analogy. Cultivating African Water Fern can be slightly challenging, especially for beginners, but it is not impossible. They need medium to high light conditions, good water circulation, and enough CO2. The ideal temperature is between 22-27°C, while the pH, GH, and kH should be within an appropriate range for aquatic plants. Choosing the right substrate and fertiliser will also encourage healthy growth.
Propagation of African Water Fern can occur both underwater and above water. Underwater, small plantlets will grow from the edges of older leaves, which can be removed and planted elsewhere. Above water, the plant produces spores that can be collected and sown in a damp environment.
4. Precautions
Child: Professor, if we believed everyone should live in harmony, would that also apply to an aquarium? For the African Water Fern to coexist with other organisms, what precautions should we consider, and should we be worried about keeping this plant with fish?
Professor: A delightful notion, indeed. Coexisting in harmony is a crucial aspect of any aquarium setup. When growing African Water Fern, one must be careful not to plant it in substrate, as the rhizome may rot. Instead, it should be attached to rocks or driftwood using thread or glue. Keeping fish in the same tank is relatively safe, but keep an eye on herbivorous species that might nibble on the delicate leaves.
5. Summary
African Water Fern is a beautiful aquatic plant that brings a sense of depth and serenity to any aquarium. With its dark green leaves and unique growth habits, it presents opportunities for creative aquarium layouts. Understanding the specific requirements for its cultivation, such as light and CO2 levels, is crucial for success. Coexisting with other organisms in the aquarium is vital to recreate the underwater world that mirrors the sense of harmony aspiring from literature and art.