1. Introduction
【Child】Professor, have you heard of the Lotus-Eaters from Homer’s epic poem, “The Odyssey”? The people of this mythical island were said to be so enchanted by the plants around them that they fed on the lotus flowers, which made them forget about everything else in life. I find their peaceful existence quite alluring. Perhaps aquatic plants possess similar qualities that can make an aquarium worthwhile? Take, for example, the Giant Hygrophila. I wonder how this plant can be used in an aquarium setup. Can you enlighten me on this?
【Professor】What an intriguing way to introduce this topic! Indeed! Aquatic plants, like the Giant Hygrophila, are incredibly captivating and certainly contribute to creating a magical underwater environment. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, cultivation process, and precautions to be taken while growing Giant Hygrophila, just like how Homer’s Lotus-Eaters cherished their plants.
2. Characteristics
【Child】Now, imagine that Giuseppe Arcimboldo, the Renaissance painter, decided to create a portrait made of Giant Hygrophila’s leaves. How would you describe its appearance, shape, and color?
【Professor】Ah, what a lovely image that would be! Giant Hygrophila (Hygrophila corymbosa), also known as the Temple plant, has large, broad leaves that are typically lance-shaped or oval and can grow up to 4 inches in length. The leaves are a vibrant green color, ranging from light to dark green. As for its growth habit, it has a sturdy, upright stem that can reach up to a towering height of 24 inches. These towering plants can act as beautiful centerpieces or backdrops in various aquarium sizes, enriching the underwater landscape with their lush foliage, making it look like a work of art.
3. Cultivation
【Child】Professor, is cultivating Giant Hygrophila as easy as mastering the ink wash painting techniques of Japanese Sumi-e, or does it require the painstaking precision of creating an intricate Persian carpet?
【Professor】(chuckles) Well, when it comes to cultivating Giant Hygrophila, your artful comparison is endearing! Fortunately, the cultivation of this plant is relatively simple, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists alike. To ensure its successful growth, you need to focus on certain factors such as lighting, CO2, pH, GH, kH, temperature, substrate, and fertilization.
Giant Hygrophila thrives in moderate to high lighting, so using LED lights or T5 fluorescent lamps would be ideal. As for CO2, this plant can manage without supplementation, but if you wish for faster growth and more vibrant coloration, a moderate CO2 supply would work. In terms of water parameters, a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6.0 to 7.5, GH of 3 to 18 dGH, and kH of 3 to 8 dKH would suit this plant. A temperature ranging between 20 and 28°C (68-82°F) provides a congenial environment for its growth. Using a nutrient-rich substrate, either clay-based or soil-based, helps anchor this stem plant and allows it to absorb essential nutrients. Lastly, fertilization can be achieved through regular liquid fertilizers or root tabs.
To propagate this plant, all you need to do is cut the stem, remove some lower leaves, and plant the cuttings in the substrate both underwater and above water, as it grows easily in both environments. It can transform your aquarium into a flourishing underwater garden.
4. Precautions
【Child】In Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” Ophelia adorned her hair with flowers, but the weedy plants caused her downfall. Are there any precautions one must take while growing Giant Hygrophila, particularly when it coexists with other aquatic creatures?
【Professor】A poignant reference, indeed. When growing Giant Hygrophila, ensure proper trimming and pruning to prevent it from overgrowing and dominating your aquarium, which could potentially choke out other plants and affect the water quality. This plant is relatively hardy and can adapt to a variety of conditions. However, too much shade could lead to sparse growth and less vibrant colors.
As for coexistence, Giant Hygrophila gets along well with small and peaceful fish species as well as invertebrates, like shrimps and snails. However, caution is advised when housing territorial or aggressive fish species, as they may uproot or damage the plants.
5. Summary
【Child】So, Professor, from what I gather, to create a successful aquatic landscape akin to the mythical island of the Lotus-Eaters, one must understand and respect the nature of these beautiful plants.
【Professor】Indeed! Your eloquent assessment is accurate. The Giant Hygrophila is an exquisite aquatic plant with versatile characteristics, fitting for various aquarium settings. By adhering to the cultivation requirements, taking necessary precautions, and ensuring proper care, one can create a Lotus-Eaters realm in their own aquarium, providing a serene underwater sanctuary for you and your underwater companions.