Aquatic Aquarium Plants

Tropic Sunset (Nymphaea tropic sunset)

2012-08-13T12:51:00.001-07:00

Quick Facts:: Tropic Sunset (Nymphaea tropic sunset)

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	12'
Water Conditions:	70-80 F, pH 6.1 - 7.5
Propagation:	Viviparous
Coloration:	Orange, Red
Supplements:	Rich Soil
Origin:	Hybrid, Farm Raised

Characteristics
The Tropic Sunset (Nymphaea tropic sunset) is a compact, exciting new tropical waterlily. It is the only viviparous tropical waterlily that exhibits an autumn flower color on the market today. An excellent bloomer, its fragrant flowers have orange-pink tipped petals that are over 6 inches in diameter, blooming well past early frosts. The leaves are green, heavily blotched and large (easily reach 18 inches) and nearly round with wavy edges. Winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11. This Water lilly is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles.

Water Conditions

70 - 80° F

pH 6.5 - 7.5

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 9, in a pond it can spread up to 6-12 feet. The 'Tropic Sunset' Water Lilly prefers water conditions of 6" to 18" depth. They also thrive in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 3 gallons or more, in 6"-18" of water. If overwintering is desired, bring plants indoors before first frost to a shallow tub or aquarium in strong light. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets). Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter.

Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)

2012-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

Quick Facts:: Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides)

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Floating
Maximum Length:	8"
Water Conditions:	70-80 F, pH 6.5 - 7.5
Propagation:	Viviparous
Coloration:	Green, Yellow
Supplements:	Rich Soil
Origin:	Brazil, South America

Characteristics
The Water Poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) is a compact, day blooming tropical lily that is native to South America. It is a floating aquatic, with Short-lived, lemon-yellow flowers that will bloom in the summer with red and brown centers. The leaves are oval, solid green occurring along 2-3' long stems that send out roots at each node, allowing for easy division. It is usually evergreen in warmer climates winter hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. The Water Poppy is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles.

Water Conditions

70 - 80° F

pH 6.5 - 7.5

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8, in a pond it can spread up to 6 feet. The Water Poppy will survive in water up to 12 to 15" deep, but prefers shallow water conditions 4" to 8" depth. They also thrive in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 3 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. If overwintering is desired, bring plants indoors before first frost to a shallow tub or aquarium in strong light. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets). Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter.

Aglaonema simplex

2012-02-17T04:36:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aglaonema simplex

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	15"
Water Conditions:	71-82 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.5
Propagation:	Rhizome Division
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	CO2 Fertilization
Origin:	Southeast Asia

Acorus gramineus var. variegatus - Japanese rush

2012-02-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Acorus gramineus var. variegatus - Japanese rush

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	14"
Water Conditions:	64-73 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 8.0
Propagation:	Rhizome
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	CO2 Fertilization
Origin:	Northeast Asia, China, Japan

Acorus gramineus var. pusillus - Japanese Dwarf Rush

2012-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Acorus gramineus var. pusillus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Foreground
Maximum Length:	3"
Water Conditions:	71-82 F, pH 6.4 - 8.0
Propagation:	Rhizome Division
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	CO2 Fertilization
Origin:	East Asia

Aponogeton natans

2012-02-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton natans

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	20"
Water Conditions:	71-82 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 8.0
Propagation:	Rhizome, Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Sri Lanka

Aponogetons Ulvaceus

2012-02-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton Ulvaceus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	35-40 cm
Water Conditions:	68-79 F, 3-6 KH, pH 5.5 - 8.0
Propagation:	Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Madagascar

Aponogeton longiplumulosus

2012-02-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton longiplumulosus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Back ground
Maximum Length:	23"
Water Conditions:	65-78 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Madagascar

Aponogeton Undulatus

2012-02-11T09:32:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton Undulatus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	24"
Water Conditions:	73 - 83 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	India, Sri Lanka

Aponogeton boivninanus

2012-02-10T15:02:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton boivninanus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	16"
Water Conditions:	68-79 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Rhizome, Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Madagascar

Aponogeton, crispus

2012-02-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton crispus

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	14"
Water Conditions:	72-84 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Rhizome Division, Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Sri Lanka, Southern India

Double Rose Lotus

2012-02-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Double Rose Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	5'
Water Conditions:	Zones 7-11, pH 7.0 - 8.5
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Pink
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	China

Aponogeton capuroni

2012-02-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Aponogeton capuroni

Care Level:	Moderate
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	24"
Water Conditions:	72-84 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Bulbs, Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Madagascar

Madagascar Lace (Aponogeton madagascariensis)

2012-02-06T11:04:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Madagascar Lace (Aponogeton madagascariensis)

Care Level:	Difficult
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	2' 1"
Water Conditions:	72-82 F, 3-6 KH, pH 6.0 - 7.0
Propagation:	Bulbs, Seeds
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium
Origin:	Madagascar

Dwarf hygrophila - Hygrophila polysperma

2012-02-05T12:22:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Dwarf hygrophila - Hygrophila polysperma

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Background
Maximum Length:	12"
Water Conditions:	72-82 F, 3-8 KH, pH 6.5 - 7.5
Propagation:	Cuttings
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium, Substrate Fertilizer
Origin:	India

Temple plant - Hygrophila corymbosa

2012-02-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Temple plant - Hygrophila corymbosa

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Background
Maximum Length:	2'
Water Conditions:	72-82 F, 3-8 KH, pH 6.5 - 7.5
Propagation:	Cuttings
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Trace Elements, CO2 Fertilization, Iron, Potassium, Substrate Fertilizer
Origin:	Southeast Asia

Alba Grandiflora - nucifera ‘Alba Plena'

2012-01-30T13:24:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Alba Grandiflora ( nucifera "Alba Plena")

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	6″
Water Conditions:	55-80 F, pH 6.0 - 7.5
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	White
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	Asia

Colorata (Nymphaea colorata)

2012-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Colorata (Nymphaea colorata)

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	6'
Water Conditions:	70-80 F, pH 6.1 - 7.5
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Purple, Blue
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	East Africa

Characteristics
The Colorata Lily is a compact, day blooming tropical lily that is native to tropical East Africa. It was first described by A. Peter in 1928. Its fragrant flower has dark blue to violet color and consists of 4-5 sepals and 13-15 petals. The leaves are solid green on top with bluish violet underside. They measure 8 to 9 inches and can spread between 3 and 6 feet wide but they also adapt to smaller space. It is a prolific bloomer and does fairly well in the shade. The Colorata Lily is ideal for planting in tubs and kettles. It is also terrific for beginners. This tropical lily will continue to flower even when temperature drops to 65F! Zones 9-11.

Water Conditions

70-80° F

pH 6.1-7.5

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Hardy to USDA Zone 9 ,in a pond it can spread up to 6 feet.The Colorata Lily will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 3 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall and stored in lidded glass jars of moist sand until spring. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Propagation is done by dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets). Cut 4-5 inch chunks making sure each section contains a bud eye. Replant all divide sections as soon as possible. Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter.

Lutea (Nelumbo lutea)

2012-01-21T13:43:00.001-08:00

Quick Facts:: Lutea (Nelumbo lutea)

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	5″
Water Conditions:	55-80 F, pH 6.0 - 9.0
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Yellow
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	North America

Characteristics

The Lutea Lotus, also known as American Lotus, American Yellow Lotus, and the Water Chinaquin, produces vast numbers of larger, bright yellow blossoms. Each blossom measures up to 11 inches in diameter and has from 22 to 25 rich yellow petals with slightly lighter tips. Native to eastern and central United States, this is an extremely durable plant that can grow to be around 5 feet tall. Flowers are followed by nut-like fruits which are imbedded in the flat surface of a turbinate Receptacles acquire a woody texture when dried (suggestive of wasps' nests) and are highly prized for dried flower arrangements.This may be the plant called "macoupin" the American lotus was an important food for Native Americans. The rhizomes produce starchy tubers that can be baked like sweet potatoes. The young leaves, before they unroll, can be steamed or boiled like spinach. The immature seeds can be eaten raw and the mature seeds known as "alligator corn" can be shelled and the kernels roasted and eaten like nuts or ground into flour. This plant is highly invasive under proper conditions; be careful to keep all roots contained in the pond.

Water Conditions

55-80° F

pH 6.0-9.0

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 5 as long as the roots do not freeze.The Lutea (Nelumbo lutea) will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 2 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall after plants die back and stored in a cool location (basement, root cellar or other frost-free area) until spring. If your lotus is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Propagation is done by division of the root stock. Cut 4-5 inch chunks making sure each section contains a bud eye. Replant all divide sections as soon as possible and do not let the root dry out. Best done in early spring to give the plant grow time before preparing for winter.

Momo Botan (Nelumbo nucifera "momo botan")

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Momo Botan (Nelumbo nucifera "momo botan")

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	4″
Water Conditions:	55-80 F, pH 6.0 - 9.0
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Red, Orange, Yellow
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	Asia

Characteristics

Momo botan translates to"like a peach colored peony". The flowers on this lotus are "double flowers" resembling peonies.The "Momo botan" is a miniature lotus that grows 12-15" leaves, stands between 2' and 4' tall and spreads by thickened rhizomes rooted in the mud.. The showy fragrant large cupped flowers have very deep pink petals measuring 5-6" with 106-118 petals, giving it the pronounced double effect. . An aquatic perennial each flower blooms for about three days, opening in the morning and closing at night each day. Flowers are followed by nut-like fruits which are imbedded in the flat surface of a turbinate Receptacles acquire a woody texture when dried (suggestive of wasps' nests) and are highly prized for dried flower arrangements. The rhizomes, leaves and seeds of lotus are edible and are sometimes used in Asian cooking. An extra-long blooming season is another bonus to this miniature lotus.This plant is highly invasive under proper conditions; be careful to keep all roots contained in the pond.

Water Conditions

55-80° F

pH 6.0-9.0

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 4 as long as the roots do not freeze.The Momo Botan will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 2 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall after plants die back and stored in a cool location (basement, root cellar or other frost-free area) until spring. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Chromatella - Nymphaea xmarliacea 'Chromatella'

2012-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Nymphaea xmarliacea 'Chromatella'

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	4″
Water Conditions:	45-75 F, pH 6.1 - 7.5
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Yellow
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	Garden Raised

Common Names:: Golden Cup, Marliac Yellow

Characteristics
Hybridized in 1877, The Chromatella Lily also known as Golden Cup, and Marliac Yellow, is a slightly scented lily. Petals are canary yellow with cup-shaped flowers that measure up to 5-1/2" , olive green leaves may grow up to 9". They have splashes of purple that fade with age. It is an early bloomer with a long blooming season. The Chromatella Lily has excellent shade tolerance and may withstand cold weather.

Water Conditions

45-75° F

pH 6.1-7.5

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 4 as long as the roots do not freeze.The Chromatella Lily will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 2 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall after plants die back and stored in a cool location (basement, root cellar or other frost-free area) until spring. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Perry's Baby Red (Nymphaea perry's baby red)

2012-01-18T06:51:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Nymphae Perry's Baby Red

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	High
Placement:	Bottom
Maximum Length:	4″
Water Conditions:	45-75 F, pH 6.1 - 7.5
Propagation:	Rhizone Division
Coloration:	Red
Supplements:	Slow Release Tablets
Origin:	Garden Raised

Characteristics
Developed in 1989 by Perry D. Slocum, the Perry's Baby Red Lily is commonly referred to as a "Water Lily" these plants have adapted to living in a total water environment. 'Perry's Baby Red' Water Lily is a pygmy red lily that blooms profusely and is good for small ponds. This variety has deep red cup-shaped flowers measuring 3 to 3-1/2" with pink sepals and red veins. It has 4.5 to 6 inch green leaves with brown undersides. Plant height varies with depth of pool. The following planting times correspond to each hardiness zone; for Zone 4 plant in mid to late June, Zone 5 plant in early to mid June, Zone 6 plant in late May to early June, Zone 7 plant mid to late May, Zone 8 plant in mid April, Zone 9 plant in early April and for Zone 10 plant March through April.

Water Conditions

45-75° F

pH 6.1-7.5

Care

Easily grown in calm water in full sun. Winter hardy to USDA Zone 4 as long as the roots do not freeze.The Perry's Baby Red Lily will also thrive in small container gardens such as a half oak barrel or in small tubs and kettles in the full sun. Pot in round, shallow, solid containers of 2 gallons or more, in 6-18" of water. Rhizomes of container-grown plants may be lifted in fall after plants die back and stored in a cool location (basement, root cellar or other frost-free area) until spring. If your lily is wintered inside, in the spring, set it out in full sun. Keeping it there until the water in the pot is approximately 80°F will get it to bloom sooner. Wait until the leaves have started to grow and the pond temperature is above 70°F before submerging the lily pot back in your pond. This prevents the plant from going into shock.

Propagation

Echinodorus ovalis

2012-01-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Echinodorus Ovalis

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Midground
Maximum Length:	12″ (30cm)
Water Conditions:	65-79 F, 18-26 C, pH 5.5-7.0
Propagation:	Adventitious Shoots, Division
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Iron
Origin:	Cuba

Characteristics
Echinodorus ovalis is related to Echinodorus cordifolius and listed by some authorities and importers as a synonym of that species, eg. E. cordifolius 'ovalis'. Originating from Cuba this small, orbiculate "sword" plant has low, wide growth which makes it suitable for small aquariums. The leaves are green and trimmed with very distinct pelucid lines.

Water Conditions

65-79° F, 18-26° C

KH 3-8
pH 5.5-7.0

Care

Provide a medium amount of light in the range of 2 watts per gallon, using full spectrum bulbs.Ideal water conditions are a temperature between 65°-79°F, an alkalinity of 3 to 8 dKH, and a pH of 5.5-7.0. These plants benefit from regular additions of CO2, iron rich fertilizers, and trace elements. Iron deficiency can easily be detected as the leaves will turn pale. As with other Echinodorus species, Echinodorus ovalis is usually left alone by herbivorous and large fish.

Propagation

Propagation of Echinodorus ovalis is relative easy. The plant forms stems which (unlike most other "sword" plants) bend down towards the bottom and form their own adventitious plants. Allow the new plant to develop a root system prior to separating it from the mother plant. Once the new plant establishes a root system, cut it at the root with very sharp, sterilized scissors and replant the "baby". Echinodorus ovalis is hardy and easy for both beginners and the more experienced.

Echinodorus opacus

2012-01-09T09:03:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Echinodorus Opacus

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Foreground
Maximum Length:	5.9″ (15cm)
Water Conditions:	65-79 F, 18-26 C, pH 5.5-7.0
Propagation:	Adventitious Shoots, Division
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Iron
Origin:	South America

Echinodorus macrophyllus

2012-01-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

Quick Facts:: Echinodorus Macrophyllus

Care Level:	Easy
Lighting:	Medium
Placement:	Background
Maximum Length:	20″
Water Conditions:	68-82 F, 20-28 C, pH 5.5-7.5
Propagation:	Root stock or Rhizome Division
Coloration:	Green
Supplements:	Iron
Origin:	South America