Periostophyll roraima: an original aquarium Christmas tree

Have you ever considered giving your aquarium a distinctive twist? Periostophyll roraima is a plant that may be ideal if you want to have a festive vibe throughout the year. Known for its remarkable resemblance to a miniature pine tree, this aquatic plant, sometimes called the "aquarium Christmas tree," brings a touch of nature’s magic to any tank.

When it comes to creating an eye-catching underwater landscape, aquarium enthusiasts can’t go wrong with Periostophyll roraima. Fish and other aquatic life have a stunning backdrop to look at thanks to the delicate branches and rich green foliage of this tree. Because of the plant’s unusual structure, fish can hide and explore it well, giving your aquarium more depth and appeal.

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, Periostophyll roraima requires little maintenance.

Distribution

The periostophyll is native to Brazil, primarily found in the state of Roraima. Under ideal circumstances, it can grow to a height of 50 cm (occasionally even above the water’s surface) and a diameter of 6 cm. The thin leaves have a slight Christmas tree needle feel to them.

They take on an unusual reddish-orange color underwater, and when they’re in the air, they turn green and develop a waxy surface.

Growing and care

The plant is highly adaptable and needs very little care; however, if maintenance conditions are not followed correctly, it may deteriorate, wither, or die.

Water parameters for ideal maintenance

The Roraima feather leaf grows best at a temperature between 22 and 27 degrees, though it can withstand slight variations. The ranges of hardness (dH 2–9 °C) and acidity (pH 6.5–7.5) are likewise fairly broad. The aquarium’s water must be kept clean; regular replacements and filtration are required.

The plant’s thin leaves hold on to fine suspended matter, degrading the plant’s appearance and eventually causing it to die from a lack of nutrition. Although it is not thought to be necessary, the feather leaf benefits from the CO2 supply and becomes more vibrant and lush.

Peristolistnik roraima can be grown as a houseplant occasionally, as well as in an aquarium or a paludarium. Reviews claim that he can withstand low temperatures and deteriorating lighting conditions with ease.

A distinctive aquatic plant that looks like a little underwater Christmas tree, Periostophyll roraima is a lovely addition to any aquarium. Its compact shape and delicate, bright green foliage create a striking visual contrast with other plants, making the atmosphere lively and celebratory. This plant not only adds to the visual appeal of your aquarium but also improves the general health of the aquatic environment. It is easy to care for and appropriate for both novice and expert aquarists.

Lighting requirements

Bright lighting is one of the requirements for the plant’s optimal content. At least 0.8 W/l (70 lm/l) of intensity is required for the full 10–12 hours of daylight.

Without adequate lighting, the coloring becomes pale, the peristolist becomes stretched, and the growth ceases. After receiving its recommended daily amount of light, the plant folds its leaves and gets ready for a 30-minute nap. At that point, lighting can be turned off or muffled.

Оодорослями растение обрастает при чрезмерно ярком свете, так как интенсивность освещения лучше подбирать индивидуально.

The exactingness to fertilizers

Although Roraima feather leaves grow well most of the time without extra feeding, they do look better and grow more quickly when given micro- and macro-fertilizers. Iron and copper-containing additives are especially advised because they intensify the orange-brown color of the leaves.

Requirements for soil and nutrient substrate

It is best to use fine soil for growing feathery leaves; a layer of two to three centimeters is ideal. Because of its poor tolerance to large fractions, it is best to plant the seedlings in small sand-filled containers if the aquarium’s bottom is covered in gravel.

The plant can grow without a nutrient substrate because its roots are not well established and nutrients are mostly absorbed through the leaves.

Reproduction

Cuttings are used to propagate the plant. Although taking lateral shoots is preferable, upper shoots are also accepted. The cutting needs to be taken off the mother bush and buried in the ground. Once roots start to show on it, you can plant it or leave it floating in the water column.

In shrimp tanks, Periostophyll roraima is frequently grown. It produces thickets that are dense and provide shrimp with a good place to hide.

Plant variations

There are roughly 70 species in the genus Feather Leaf, and the following are used in aquaristics:

Penniform

Pierced

Brazilian

Increase

Twisted

First-tree

Although they vary in appearance and upkeep requirements, feather leaves are generally modest, making them appropriate for even novice aquascapers.

Feather leaf roraima in aquascaping

It is advised to grow the plant in the background or in the middle. It complements or contrasts beautifully with green representatives of the underwater flora because of its orange-brown color.

Any plants can coexist with feather leaf roraima as long as they don’t shade it and all of its parts receive light. However, it won’t be the best option for a fish aquarium that contains herbivorous fish. Juicy, tender leaves are a favorite food of guppies, mollies, barbs, and other similar inhabitants, who can severely damage the periostophyll or ruin its appearance.

Often referred to as the "aquarium Christmas tree," Periostophyll roraima is a distinctive addition to any aquarium. Among other aquatic plants, it adds a festive touch with its unique shape and vivid green color. This plant gives your aquarium a more attractive appearance while also giving fish and invertebrates a natural habitat.

Periostophyll roraima is a fantastic option for both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its simplicity of maintenance. It doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, but it does need steady nutrition and moderate lighting to thrive. This plant can be used to create a minimalist aquascape or a lush underwater forest, depending on the size and configuration of the tank.

Video on the topic

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