Echinodorus red special

Genus: Proserpinaca Family: Halograceae ? Commonly called mermaid weed from watermilfoil family Halograceae to which another genus belongs, the very popular Myriophyllum. The genus Proserpinaca,? is a small one comprising only 2 or 3 species which are ?native to eastern North America and West Indies.? This genus can be easily distinguished from Myriophyllum by having only 3 stamens and 3 carpels per flower while? ?the latter having 4 or 8 Proserpinaca palustris A very beautiful plant which can adapt to terrestrial as well as underwater life. The leaves of emergent ones are elliptical, green and with serrated margins. When grow underwater, the leaf colour will become yellowish brown to pink and the leaf margin develops appendage like extensions. This unique shape of the leaves is really stunning and make this plant a popular choice to any hobbyist. This plant is not so demanding and even a novice can try it. However, nutrient addition and CO2 injection are necessary to maintain its vigour. Midground setting is often preferred.

Pearlweed is a bright green, low-growing stem plant perfect for beginners. It is a versatile species which can be used for both foreground, midground and background. Constant pruning will keep it low growing and spread runners horizontally. This plant grows best with moderate light and CO2 levels around 6-14ppm. However, pearlweed can usually get all the nutrients it needs from a nutrient-enriched substrate and healthy fish colony. For super dense growth, use high light and CO2. Bright light will yield bushy growth, while moderate light yields looser, upward growth. Once your pearlweed is established it will need to be pruned, as it can grow unruly when left unchecked. This plant will tolerate substantial pruning, so you can let it grow large and dense and then trim it into a desired shape if you wish.

“Meta” is a still new, splendidly coloured form of Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata with only moderate requirements. It was brought from the Departamento del Meta in central Colombia a few years ago. At the moment it is still a rarity. In its underwater form, this plant is very similar to Ludwigia inclinata var. verticillata “Pantanal”, with whorled, narrow leaves that turn bright red to orange in bright light. “Meta”, however, is easier to grow, comparable to L. inclinata var. verticillata ‘Cuba’.

Pogostemon helferi Pogostemon helferi forms a dense carpet in the fore ground of the aquarium. It needs high light. Optimum temperature is 20-25’C. Growth is best in medium hard water with a neutral to alkaline Ph-value.