1. Introduction
【Child】: Professor, I was reading about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon as one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, and I was wondering, can we create a similar wonder in our aquariums using aquatic plants?
【Professor】: A very interesting question, my young friend! While we might not be able to recreate the exact Hanging Gardens, we can definitely create our own aquatic wonder using a beautiful aquatic plant called Riccia fluitans, also known as Crystalwort or Floating Crystalwort. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics, cultivation, and precautions to take when growing this fascinating plant in an aquarium.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Riccia fluitans sounds like a magical name from a forgotten fairy tale. What does this Crystalwort plant look like?
【Professor】: Indeed, the name does have a whimsical charm! Riccia fluitans is a small aquatic plant with a bright green, delicate, and crystalline appearance. Its leaves are tiny and grow in a thallose or ribbon-like pattern, which gives it a fluffy texture. One fascinating aspect of this plant is that it can grow both submerged in water and floating on the surface.
【Child】: Ooh, that sounds like the tresses of a mermaid or a water nymph! Can we create an underwater riverscape with this plant in any sized aquarium?
【Professor】: Absolutely! Riccia fluitans is quite versatile in its use for aquarium layouts. It can be used as a carpeting plant covering the aquarium floor, attached to rocks or driftwood to create a lush green landscape, or left to float on the surface, providing shade and shelter for other aquatic creatures. It can be used in a small, medium, or large-sized aquarium, depending on the desired effect.
3. Cultivation
【Child】: If Riccia fluitans is as wondrous as the crystal slippers worn by Cinderella, is it as delicate and difficult to cultivate too?
【Professor】: Riccia fluitans is fortunately not as delicate as glass slippers! While it does require some attention and care, it is not too difficult to grow. It is generally suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. To provide optimal growing conditions, keep the following factors in mind: light amount/CO2, pH, GH, kH/temperature, bottom sand, and fertilizer.
Riccia fluitans needs medium to high lighting and appreciates the injection of CO2, although it can grow without it at a slower pace. It thrives in a pH range of 6.0-8.0, with a preference for slightly acidic water. As for water hardness, a general hardness (GH) of 1-12 and carbonate hardness (kH) of 2-12 will suffice. Maintaining a temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F) is ideal.
For substrate, fine sand or gravel is preferable. Additionally, periodically adding liquid fertilizer that contains essential nutrients will support healthy growth. Riccia fluitans can be propagated both underwater and above water through division.
4. Precautions
【Child】: Can our little Crystalwort coexist peacefully with the denizens of our watery realm? Are there any precautions we must observe?
【Professor】: Riccia fluitans can indeed coexist with a variety of aquatic creatures. However, some herbivorous fish might take a liking to its tender leaves and eat them. As a precaution, it is essential to monitor the compatibility of the plant with the fish and other organisms in your aquarium.
Furthermore, keep an eye on the growth of Riccia fluitans, as it can grow quite dense and may block light from reaching other plants and organisms below.
5. Summary
【Child】: So, it seems that with Riccia fluitans, we can create our enchanting underwater gardens, just like those from the storybooks.
【Professor】: Yes, my young friend, cultivating Riccia fluitans can bring a magical touch to our aquariums, reminiscent of the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon. By understanding its characteristics, providing proper care, and observing necessary precautions, we can create a serene and lush aquatic environment that captivates and inspires the imagination.