1. Introduction
【Child】Hey, Professor, I’ve been recently reading “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” by Jules Verne, and I can’t help but to think how beautiful and delicate the underwater world is. I want to set up an aquarium myself, so can you teach me about the fascinating world of aquatic plants?
【Professor】Ah, a fellow enthusiast of the underwater realm, I see! Aquatic plants are indeed captivating, and they play an essential role in creating stunning aquarium landscapes. In this article, we will explore their characteristics, cultivation, precautions and more. So, buckle up and prepare to dive in!
2. Characteristics
【Child】Professor, I’ve always been mesmerized by the different shapes and colors of the trees in “Alice in Wonderland.” Do aquatic plants also possess such a vibrant variety in their appearance?
【Professor】Absolutely! Aquatic plants exhibit a wide range of leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits, creating an underwater wonderland of their own. Let’s take a closer look at their aesthetics and corresponding aquarium layouts.
Shape of Leaves: Aquatic plants can have various shapes, from tiny, needle-like leaves to broad, fan-shaped ones. Some have straight, elongated leaves like the swords in King Arthur’s legendary tale. Others have curly, twirling tendrils, beautifully reminiscent of Rapunzel’s golden locks.
Color: From the green hues of Sherwood Forest to the deep reds of Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love, aquatic plants exhibit an array of colors that breathe life into an aquarium.
Growth Habits: As in the twisting and intertwined narratives of Shakespeare’s plays, aquatic plants grow in different patterns. Some grow vertically, reaching for the light, while others spread horizontally, forming dense carpets.
Aquarium Layouts: Aquatic plants can be the versatile actors that fill various roles in aquarium design – foreground, midground, and background. Small aquariums may benefit from delicate, slow-growing plants, while larger aquariums provide a grand stage for fast-growing, dramatic species.
3. Cultivation
【Child】If aquatic plants were characters in a fairytale, would they be the kind-hearted heroes or the demanding stepmothers in terms of cultivation difficulty?
【Professor】Ah, well, some aquatic plants are like Cinderella – easy-going and perfect for beginners. Others, like the nefarious Queen in “Snow White,” require more advanced skills and care. Factors such as light amount/CO2, pH, GH, kH/temperature, bottom sand, and fertilizer greatly impact their cultivation difficulty.
Propagation methods differ too. Some aquatic plants multiply underwater through runners or by producing plantlets, like the enchanted brooms in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” Others reproduce above water, blooming flowers and dispersing seeds like dandelions in “The Little Prince.”
4. Precautions
【Child】I imagine cultivating aquatic plants could be as treacherous as walking through the forbidden forest. What precautions should be taken while growing them and ensuring they coexist harmoniously with other organisms?
【Professor】Indeed, cultivators must be careful like Little Red Riding Hood exploring her grandmother’s cottage. Some aquatic plants may outgrow their welcome, dominating the aquarium and depriving other plants of nutrients and resources.
Those with a more assertive disposition may require pruning to maintain balance in the ecosystem. Be cautious of the water parameters, as some plants may have specific preferences that affect their growth and impact the aquarium’s other inhabitants.
5. Summary
【Child】Thank you, Professor, for unveiling the magical world of aquatic plants for me! I feel like I’ve just experienced an adventure in Narnia!
【Professor】I’m glad to have been your guide to this enchanting world, young explorer! Remember to appreciate the diverse nature of these underwater plants and nurture them with care. From unique characteristics to cultivation methods and the precautions, aquatic plants can bring the beauty of mythology and literature straight into your aquarium. Now, it’s your turn to create your own underwater fairytale. Good luck!