Lagenandra meeboldii is a stunning aquatic plant whose delicate appearance makes it stand out in any aquarium. This exotic amphibian plant, which is native to Sri Lanka and India, will give your aquatic setup a touch of the tropics.
The plant is a striking addition because of its gorgeous foliage, which has hues ranging from green to pink to purplish. It is less common than other aquarium plants, but what makes it so attractive is how elegant it is and how well it can grow in both submerged and partially above water environments.
Lagenandra meeboldii requires meticulous maintenance, but in the right conditions, it can thrive and turn into the focal point of your aquarium. It is perfect for hobbyists wishing to add something really special to their aquatic landscape because it offers a distinctive blend of aesthetics and natural beauty.
Feature | Description |
Scientific Name | Lagenandra meeboldii |
Family | Araceae |
Origin | South Asia |
Height | Up to 30 cm |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Light Needs | Moderate to low |
Temperature | 22-28°C |
Growth Rate | Slow |
pH Range | 6.0-7.5 |
Placement | Midground to background |
Care Level | Moderate |
Lagenandra meeboldii is a rare and delicate amphibian plant that thrives in both submerged and emersed conditions, adding a touch of exotic beauty to aquariums. Its striking deep green to reddish-brown leaves make it a beautiful option for aquascaping, but for it to really thrive, steady water conditions and mild care are necessary.
- Area of distribution
- Growing and care
- Optimal water parameters
- Lighting requirements
- Soil quality
- Need for feeding
- Features of reproduction
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Area of distribution
The southern Indian highlands are the source of this beauty. It is found all over Southeast Asia. The natural world has a greater abundance of green plants. The color pink is reserved for aquariums and paludariums.
The primary growth range for Lagenandra meeboldii is 1.2 km above sea level. It favors marshy areas found in mangrove forests and the shady banks of streams.
These backwaters frequently flood, so the plant has evolved to survive both above and below water. Although it can withstand flooding well, it cannot grow continuously when submerged.
Growing and care
Lagenandra is very finicky and highly sensitive to any outside irritants, such as fish and other plants, in an aquarium. responds quickly to modifications in the hydrochemical parameters. demanding the terms of the incarceration, particularly with regard to lighting specifications.
Recommendations for general care:
- It is advisable to grow Lagenandra in a herb garden with a volume of 100 liters or in a separate container.
- To create optimal humidity in the tank, you need to cover it with a lid.
- The plant looks spectacular in the center and harmonizes well with the green background. If grown in a pot, it is advisable to place it near the side wall.
- The growth rate is slow but uniform. When completely immersed, it stops developing. It is important that the leaves are above the water. In this state, lagenandra grows well throughout years.
- Lagenandras grown in the air can be safely moved to an aquarium.
Maintaining the plant in a paludarium makes more sense.
Optimal water parameters
You ought to handle the aquatic environment’s constraints with caution. The plant may die as a result of irregular changes. Lagenandra leaves are turbidity-sensitive due to organic matter.
Suggested hydrochemical parameters:
-
general hardness – 8-18 ° dGH.
At low temperatures, development is halted. A 15% water change is required if the aquatic environment’s hardness is less than 8.
Lighting requirements
Lagenandras prefer strong lighting; 70 lm/l is ideal, but 90 lm/l is preferable. It’s crucial to make sure the lighting fixtures are placed at least 30 centimeters away from the aquarium.
12 hours a day is the ideal amount of daylight. Diffused lighting is the favorite kind. When leaves are exposed to direct sunlight, algae may appear on them.
Soil quality
Aquarium breeding does not specifically depend on this parameter. You can use river sand combined with fine gravel if your crop is one that needs time to take root in the soil. A minimum of 3 cm should be the thickness of the substrate. Requires a thick layer of sphagnum-covered drainage when housed in a pot inside a paludarium.
Need for feeding
Feeding is not necessary if fine-grained river sand is used. The silted substrate will contain enough beneficial elements for the plant.
Carbon dioxide feeding at a concentration of 10–30 mg/l is ideal for improved growth.
Features of reproduction
Lagenandra forms daughter shoots on the rhizome, which split off to reproduce vegetatively. The "babies" are chopped off and moved to a new location once three leaves have formed on them.
To initiate air breeding, the plant’s root is submerged in one-third sphagnum, and the pot is then submerged in a wet moss-filled tank. By doing this, you can get the growing conditions as near to natural as possible.
Lagenandra meeboldii’s vivid leaves and distinctive growth patterns are a lovely accent to any aquarium, adding a hint of exotic charm. It is suitable for a variety of aquascaping designs due to its ability to adapt to both submerged and emersed conditions.
Although it needs some maintenance and steady water conditions, this delicate amphibian plant pays off handsomely in terms of aesthetic appeal. To preserve its health and beauty, regular trimming and lighting maintenance are recommended.
All things considered, aquarists who like growing more unusual plants and creating a vibrant underwater environment will find Lagenandra meeboldii to be an excellent choice.