1. Introduction
【Child】: Hey, Professor! So, I was reading this lovely book about underwater gardens, and it got me thinking–if underwater plants are like characters from ancient Greek mythology, what aquatic plant would be Narcissus, who fell in love with his own reflection?
【Professor】: That’s a lovely metaphor, dear! I would say an aquatic plant that shares the same charm as Narcissus could be the Raccoon Tail Plant. It has an unparalleled beauty among aquatic plants, just as Narcissus did among men. To answer your curiosity, let me tell you more about this marvelous plant and its various characteristics, cultivation methods, and precautions.
2. Characteristics
【Child】: Professor, that’s intriguing! You’ve piqued my curiosity to know more. Tell me more about how this Raccoon Tail Plant looks and grows, if you please. Is it as graceful as a dancer, swirling her dress in a dance floor filled with water?
【Professor】: (chuckles) You do have a vivid imagination, my dear. The Raccoon Tail Plant, or Ceratophyllum demersum, gets its name from the bushy, tail-like appearance of its stems. Its leaves are thin, needle-like, and soft to touch, resembling the fluffy fur of a raccoon’s tail. The leaves grow in whorls around the stems, and its shades of green may range from bright to dark, much like the different shades of green in Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
The growth rate of these plants can be pretty fast, and they can reach their maximum height of 3 to 10 feet. In larger aquariums, you can use this plant for a beautiful mid-ground or background piece, creating a vibrant underwater landscape. In smaller tanks, though, the Raccoon Tail could be a charming centerpiece with its bushy and whimsical appearance.
3. Cultivation
【Child】: Now, Professor, I must ask, would cultivating this plant be like learning to play Mozart’s symphonies or more like trying to unravel the meaning in Kafka’s works?
【Professor】: Oh, that’s a tough comparison! But I would say cultivating Raccoon Tail Plant is easier than either of those challenges. It is a beginner-friendly aquatic plant and can grow in various conditions. To ensure its optimal growth, you need to provide enough light, although it can tolerate low-light conditions too.
Going into more specific details, the water temperature should be between 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, while the pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5. A soft to moderately hard water is preferable, with a general hardness (GH) of 2 to 14 dH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 2 to 12 dH. As for the substrate, you can choose a sandy or gravelly one, but this plant can float as well. Lastly, fertilization could come in handy to keep the plant healthy and growing.
The Raccoon Tail Plant can reproduce through its side shoots that develop on the main stem, both underwater and above water. Simply cut these side shoots and plant them separately, and watch your underwater garden flourish!
4. Precautions
【Child】: Sounds lovely, Professor! But as Charlotte from “Charlotte’s Web” must have been cautious of Wilbur, should we be cautious of keeping the Raccoon Tail plant with any aquatic animals? Are there any other precautions to consider?
【Professor】: Excellent example, my young friend! While the Raccoon Tail Plant is generally a peaceful addition to your underwater garden, some herbivorous species might nibble on its delicate foliage. Therefore, be cautious when introducing these plants to tanks with vegetarian fish and snails.
Another aspect to be wary of is its rapid growth rate, which, if left uncontrolled, may cause it to occupy a large portion of your tank and affect other plants.
Lastly, this plant has allelopathic properties, meaning it can release chemicals that affect the growth of other plants. Hence, it’s essential to regularly monitor other plants in your aquarium and ensure their well-being.
5. Summary
【Child】: So, Professor, the Raccoon Tail Plant is a captivating beauty that would enhance an underwater world like Narcissus amidst a world of Greek mythological characters. Isn’t it fascinating?
【Professor】: Indeed, my dear! With its enchanting appearance, adaptable nature, and beginner-friendly cultivation, the Raccoon Tail Plant makes for a delightful addition to your aquatic garden. Passionately caring for this aquatic plant may just end up being your own romantic version of “Ode to a Nightingale.”