Echinodorus parviflorus TROPICA

Echinodorus parviflorus TROPICA

DE

Origin / Breeder : TROPICA, Dänemark

German / Trade Name : Samolus Schwertpflanze

Synonym of: Echinodorus grisebachii Small

Echinodorus tropica (Echinodorus parviflorus tropica) is an aquarium plant of the genus Echinodorus originally from South America. The tropical variety is very similar to the wild form of Echinodorus parviflorus, but unlike the wild plant, forms a more compact growth habit and can produce hammered leaves. Echinodorus Tropica was named after the famous aquatic nursery. The Tropica variety was grown in Singapore and Sri Lanka, and in the early 1980s the Danish aquatic plant Tropica received a number of plants. Danish botanists Jacobsen and Holm-Nielsen described it in 1985 and named it after the nurseryTropica. Echinodorus tropica is a fairly common variety of Echinodorus, usually available commercially in large nurseries. It is distinguished by a rather small compact size compared to other species of Echinodorus. It is a small cultivar that grows only up to 5-15 cm tall, depending on the lighting level. Leaves are broad, rounded, sinuous with a very interesting texture, dark green, can turn a reddish color in bright light and excess nutrients. Grows average or fast depending on housing conditions. Be careful if you keep algae eaters in an aquarium - some of them may eat a tasty plant. Echinodorus tropics is a relatively undemanding aquarium plant. Like all species of the genus Echinodorus, this plant likes to land in nutrient-rich soil and clear water. The soil should be fine (1-4 mm) and light, it is recommended to place a good, nutrient-rich, iron-rich substrate on the bottom of the aquarium and fill the soil on top of it. The general soil height in the aquarium should be at least 5 cm.Echinodorus tropica grows both in low light and very strong light. Remains very small and compact in low light conditions. Water parameters also do not matter much, it can be soft water and medium hardness; pH: 6 - 8; temperature 21-28 C. For the successful care of Echinodorus tropics, the introduction of CO2 into the aquarium is not necessary, but it certainly has a positive effect on the growth rate and appearance. The most common problem that can occur when keeping Echinodorus tropic is a lack of iron in the aquarium. This problem can be solved first by placing an iron-rich substrate on the bottom. You can also add fertilizer tablets or homemade clay balls with fertilizer under the roots of the plant. In addition, you can add liquid fertilizer to the water. Echinodorus tropica is a rosette aquarium plant and regular maintenance consists of cutting off old, damaged or dying leaves. Be careful not to damage the rhizome when doing this. Echinodorus of the tropics can grow from water, but to obtain a paludarium form, the shoots should first be placed in moist soil with leaves out of the water, so that the plant can adapt to new conditions. In this case, the soil should always be kept moist, and the leaves should be regularly moistened with a spray bottle - they should not dry out. This Echinodorus reproduces via side shoots, which must grow to 3-4 inches tall before they can be separated from the parent shrub. Shoot formation can be stimulated by extending daylight in the aquarium for several hours. Echinodorus Tropica can be very short and compact and fits perfectly in small/nano aquariums as well as medium to large aquariums. Its broad, rounded leaves add an unusual shape and texture to the aquascape. Due to its low light requirements, it is suitable for the foreground and middle ground. It is a very beautiful and interesting choice for any aqua design.^[1]