Water plague: a popular plant for aquarium and pond
Water plague (Elodea) is a plant genus belonging to the frog-bite family. It does not place great demands on the water and has therefore developed into a popular plant for aquariums and garden ponds.
In the following, you will learn everything important about the origin and appearance of the various Elodea species. In addition, we explain what you have to pay attention to when planting with water plague.
Origin and distribution of the water plague
The water plague originates from the New World, with species originating from both South and North America. In the meantime, however, it has also become widespread in Europe, partly due to targeted human exposure.
Especially the Canadian water plague and the narrow-leaved water plague, both originating from North America, cope very well with the similar climatic conditions in Europe and have therefore spread rapidly in countless ponds and lakes.
There, under water, they often form veritable forests and increasingly displace native aquatic plants.
Even though this fact is certainly to be seen as negative, the spread of the water plague does have its advantages. Because their relatively high oxygen production rate can contribute to the revitalisation of water bodies. In addition, it serves aquatic animals such as fish as a hiding place and space for the laying of eggs.
Appearance of the water plague
There are different types of water plague, which differ from each other in their appearance. What they all have in common, however, is the fact that they are so-called submerged aquatic plants. This means that they grow completely under the water surface.
Water plague plants are only partially rooted in the ground and form branched stems that can reach a length of up to three metres depending on the species.
An overview of the different water plague species
There are probably six different types of water plague, but not all of them are equally well known and widespread in our country:
- Elodea bifoliata
- Elodea callitrichoides
- Elodea canadensis
- Elodea Nuttallii
- Elodea guyanensis
- Elodea chilensis
The water plague species found in Europe are usually Elodea callitrichoides (Argentine water plague), Elodea canadensis (Canadian water plague) or Elodea nuttallii (narrow-leaved water plague).
The water plague in aquaristics
Water plague has become a popular plant for aquariums. It is easy to care for and grows very quickly. It also produces large amounts of oxygen and inhibits the growth of algae. In addition, water plague looks chic in the aquarium and offers the fish living in it welcome hiding places.
Planting water plague correctly
Since water plague grows very quickly, it is recommended to plant them in the back of the aquarium so that the view of the inhabitants of the tank is not obstructed. The plants thrive both free-floating and planted in the substrate. As far as the water temperature is concerned, it should not exceed 28 degrees Celsius.
Water pollution can improve the water quality
A too high nutrient content in the water can lead to increased growth of algae. Water plague can counteract this, however. This is because the plants grow up to 10 centimetres every week and require a lot of nutrients from the water.
They also secrete antibiotic substances that can prevent the development of blue-green algae and produce comparatively large amounts of oxygen. Adequate vegetation with water plague can therefore contribute to a high water quality without much work.
Water pollution Growth and care
The rapid growth of the water plague is of course not only an advantage, but can also lead to the water plants taking up too much space. For this reason it is essential that the plants are regularly shortened. This also promotes the growth of the lateral shoots, which gives the water plague a denser form.
Although water plague is generally very easy to care for, it can happen that the plants lack nutrients. This can be seen in the form of thin stems and paler leaves, and can usually be remedied quite well with plant fertiliser and more light.
By the way, to get new water plague plants, you can simply cut off shoots that are about 20 centimetres long and plant them in a different place.
Water plague in a garden pond
Water plague is extremely robust and copes well with the conditions prevailing in Europe. Especially the Canadian water plague is therefore also very popular for garden ponds and is appreciated by hobby gardeners especially for its water clarifying effect as well as its oxygen production.
As in the aquarium, the water plague also serves in the pond as a hiding place, nesting place and food plant for fish and other water animals. However, in view of its rapid growth, it is essential to regularly remove parts of the plants from the water to keep their size under control.
Water plague - our conclusion
As you can see, the water plague has a lot to offer despite its somewhat threatening sounding name. It is suitable for planting in aquariums and ponds and is characterised by its great robustness.
Provided you take care to limit the growth of the water plague, it is an enrichment for garden ponds and aquariums alike, from which your fish population will also benefit.
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