Chapter 1: Introduction
Child: Professor, I’ve been reading about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and how it looked like a green mountain of plants with lush foliage tumbling over the sides. I can’t help but think of how amazing it would be to create my own underwater Hanging Gardens in my aquarium. Can you tell me about aquatic plants that would help me achieve this magical look?
Professor: Ah, what an enchanting idea! I’m delighted by your enthusiasm for creating a living work of art in your aquarium. For a plant that truly has the essence of the Hanging Gardens, I would recommend Myriophyllum aquaticum. With its feathery foliage and cascading growth, it would make a stunning addition to your underwater kingdom. In this article, we will explore the characteristics, cultivation, precautions, and overall fascination of this beautiful aquatic plant.
Chapter 2: Characteristics
Child: I love the vivid imagery of Shakespeare’s Ophelia covered in a cascade of flowers and plants in Millais’ painting. Could you describe the appearance of Myriophyllum aquaticum for me, so I can imagine it filling my aquarium with the same poetic feeling?
Professor: Absolutely! Myriophyllum aquaticum, commonly known as Parrot’s Feather or Water Milfoil, is an exceptionally lovely and apt plant for creating that romantic, flowing effect. Its leaves are delicately feathered, bright green, and borne in whorls along slender, branching stems. The plant has a tendency to grow densely and drape luxuriously, much like Ophelia’s floral surround, adding depth and movement to your underwater scene.
As for using this plant in different aquarium sizes and layouts, Myriophyllum aquaticum is highly versatile. It can be used as a midground or background plant in small aquariums, while it thrives best in larger tanks as a stunning, overflowing centerpiece. A well-cared-for plant can reach up to 24 inches in height, with a thick, tangled mass of luxurious leaves and tendrils tumbling to the aquarium floor.
Chapter 3: Cultivation
Child: Like Monet painting his Water Lilies series, I wish to cultivate Myriophyllum aquaticum with care and dedication. Please guide me on how to nurture this aquatic masterpiece; should I gather light from the sun god Helios or blessings from the earth goddess Gaia?
Professor: Fear not, young artist! Cultivating Myriophyllum aquaticum is not as divine, but still an enchanting affair. You’ll find that it is a reasonably easy plant to grow, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
To create the optimal conditions for Myriophyllum aquaticum to flourish, provide moderate to high lighting, suitable for Helios’ generosity. Maintain CO2 levels within 10 to 30 ppm, ensure a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, and keep the water hardness (GH) in the range of 5 to 15 dH. As for temperature, this plant enjoys the warmth of 68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferred substrate for the roots would be nutrient-rich bottom sand or soil, which calls upon Gaia’s nurturing embrace.
To propagate Myriophyllum aquaticum, you can simply trim a stem and plant it in the substrate to grow a new plant. If the plant reaches the water’s surface, it may also produce emergent growth with small, white flowers, offering a tantalizing glimpse into its terrestrial possibilities.
Chapter 4: Precautions
Child: In Aesop’s fable, “The Oak and the Reeds,” the oak tree is destroyed by its inability to bend in the wind, while the flexible reeds survive. What lessons should I learn from Myriophyllum aquaticum to avoid the fate of the mighty oak?
Professor: Your insightful question reveals an essential aspect of Myriophyllum aquaticum’s care. While it generally coexists well with various aquatic creatures, it is vital to ensure that more aggressive, plant-eating fish species do not cohabit with this plant, as they may damage or consume it.
Additionally, Myriophyllum aquaticum can grow quite quickly and may require consistent trimming to prevent it from overtaking the tank. Be cautious not to release it into your local waterways, as it can become invasive in certain areas.
Chapter 5: Summary
In this article, we have explored the delightful and romantic world of Myriophyllum aquaticum. From its lush, cascading foliage to its versatile cultivation, this aquatic plant will make a stunning addition to any aquarium, providing an underwater Hanging Gardens ambiance. By following proper care guidelines and precautions, you can enjoy Myriophyllum aquaticum’s captivating beauty and create a living piece of aquatic art rich with the elegant brushstrokes of Nature’s masterpiece.