Elodea is a perennial aquatic herb from the Aquatic family. They grow in cool waters and quickly fill all the free space. In the natural environment, elodea can be found in the reservoirs of North and South America. There are more heat-loving and cold-resistant varieties. Growing, the plant behaves quite aggressively and crowds out the rest of the flora. Because of this, it was called "water plague." Also, the plant is called a "pond". In the aquarium, Elodea feels no less fine, it purifies the water and ennobles the space. The plant is very unpretentious, so it is easy to care for it. It is preferred not only by experienced aquarists, but also by beginners.
Botanical Description
Elodea is a fast-growing perennial. It has long flexible stems that can grow by 2-3 m. The plant also forms side shoots. Unlike most algae, the elodea has organs, and not a single cell mass (thallus). Her roots, stems, leaves and flowers are clearly distinguishable. Elodea is often used to study the structure of cells. In its sheet under the microscope, the movement of the cytoplasm is clearly visible. It slows down and accelerates depending on temperature.
The roots of the Elodea are white, thin. With their help, the plant is fixed in the soil, although it feels normal, just floating in the water column. At the nodes of light green or brownish shoots are whorls of 2-3 linear leaves of emerald color. Foliage shines through in the light. The length of a single plate does not exceed 1 cm, and the width is 5 mm. The edge of the leaf is pointed, and the lateral surfaces are serrated. At the top of the process are smaller and lighter leaves.
In summer, the shoots produce a dense peduncle. On it, single, rather large flowers bloom above the surface of the water. Corolla consists of three oval petals and a small center with stamens and ovary.
Types of Elodea
In total, 6 plant species were registered in the genus Elodea. Here are three of them, the most popular:
Elodea Canadian most often used in home ponds and aquariums. It is perfect for cool water. The plant grows especially quickly and can fill even a large body of water. For normal development, he needs not too hard, fresh water, bright lighting and low temperatures. The shoots of the Canadian Elodea are leafy enough densely. They are covered with ovoid or linear leaves that twist slightly along the central vein.
Elodea is notched. More demanding, thermophilic plant. It blooms more often and more abundantly. Greenery consists of hard stems and bright green leaves that grow close to each other.
Elodea is leafy. Cord-shaped shoots end with a poorly developed rhizome. Large flowers bloom near whorls with bright green narrow linear leaves. Each sheet grows up to 5 cm in length and up to 6 mm in width.
Breeding
At home, the elodea is propagated by cuttings. Rooting takes place without much difficulty. It is enough to cut a long stalk into pieces about 20 cm long. They are left to float freely in water or fixed vertically in the soil. When floating, the cuttings of the elodeas independently descend to the ground and take root. Even in the absence of roots, the elodea develops well in the soil. It is important that the tip does not protrude above the surface of the water.
Care must be taken. The fresh juice of Elodea is fatal to fish, therefore, at first, cuttings are kept in a separate vessel.
Plant care
Elodea is a beautiful and unpretentious plant. It can develop in water of any hardness, but with a sharp change in this parameter, it hurts and withers. Some species grow better in soft water, but in hard water they gradually dissolve.
The optimum temperature of the water in the aquarium is + 15 ... + 22 ° C. If it rises above + 24 ° C, growth slows down and the plant dies. As the temperature drops, the stems fall to the ground and hibernate. In the spring, new shoots emerge from the growth points. Canadian Elodea, unlike heat-loving species, even without changing the parameters of water freezes for several months.
Bright lighting is very important for the plant. If there is not enough sunlight in the room, use fluorescent lamps. They should fully shine through the water column for at least 10 hours a day.
Turbid water is not a problem for the plant. It is even used as a water filter. The whole suspension settles on the leaves, so the liquid quickly becomes transparent. Particles of dirt themselves serve as fertilizer for algae, accelerating its growth. Also, during the growth process, Elodea secretes bactericidal substances that prevent harmful microorganisms from developing in water.
It is important to remember that Elodea is an inhabitant of fresh water bodies. Even a small amount of salt can destroy it.
Using Elodea
In aquariums and small standing ponds in the garden, the Elodea is an indispensable plant. It effectively landscapes the pond, serves as food for fish and a refuge for fry. The green mass grows rapidly, you only need to periodically remove its excess.
As a result of photosynthesis, a large volume of greenery releases a lot of oxygen, which enriches water. The role of elodea as a natural filter is very important. It collects suspension, absorbs harmful substances and prevents the development of putrefactive bacteria.
In the aquarium, a green mass with openwork leaves is often placed in the background. She creates a wonderful background for plants with larger leaves.
