Cryptocoryne parva

Cryptocoryne parva is a very slow grower even in optimal conditions.

In contrast to other Cryptocorynes it needs a lot of light. The addition
of CO2 and a substrate rich in nutrients or rather, fertilisation via the
substrate enhance growth quite considerably and let the plant grow to
its full potential. It is especially important to maintain iron and
potassium on a relatively high level to prevent this Crypt from
developing serious deficiency symptoms like chloroses and multiple
holes in the leaves.
The propagation of Cryptocoryne parva only requires the
environmental conditions we stated above, and patience. The plant
forms lateral shoots directly on its rhizome as well as runners - both
faster and more efficiently when the plant is kept emersed.

CommonName Dwarf Water Trumpet

Hardiness Moderate

Placement Foreground
Lighting Low
GrowthRate Very Slow
GrowthForm Rosette
Height 3" Width 2" T
emp (Celcius) 15 - 28 pH 5.5 - 8 YouTube
Price per Bundle 30
Bundle Per plant, bareroot
Lilaeopsis brasilienses
Lilaeopsis brasiliensis has been in the hobby for years as one of the
few plants commonly available for the foreground. It is produced by
all the major nurseries of the world and can be obtained through
most any local fish store that stocks live plants. In its native habitat
of Brazil, L. brasiliensis can often be found growing along the
shores of streams in both emersed and submersed states. Despite
its common name 'Brazilian micro sword', this grass-like plant is
more closely related to the genera Limnobium and Hydrocotyle.
L. brasiliensis is not too difficult to grow, given enough light and
CO2 supplementation. This hardy species will even grow in dim
lighting. However, it will form dense, beautiful foreground lawns only when supplied with bright,
unobstructed light (3wpg or more). A rich substrate encourages faster, taller growth --so it may be
more desirable to have a lean substrate, depending on the size and height of the aquarium. As with
most all plants, this species benefits from the regular addition of nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and
micronutrients through the water column.
Price per Bundle 50.00
Hardines Moderate
Bundle Bunch

CommonName Brazilian micro sword

Placement Foreground
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Medium
GrowthForm Creeping rhizome
Height 2" Width .1"
Temp (Celcius) 4 - 28
pH 6.8-7.5
Staurogyne repens
Staurogyne repens proved to be an excellent, moderately demanding,
highly versatile aquarium plant shortly after its introduction. It forms
carpets to dense bushes and has become an often-used plant in
aquascaping. It is a relatively slow grower but is produced in large
numbers by in vitro propagation for trade. It is also well- available
from fellow hobbyists.
Rather strong light, the addition of CO2, and soft to medium hard
water are recommendable, as are temperatures between 20 and 30
°C and a substrate rich in nutrients, where the plant can develop a dense root system. Under too low
light, the plant tends to etiolate, i.e. the stems form longer internodes and develop a rather upright
growth habit.
CommonName S Repens
Price per Bundle 60
Placement Foreground
Bundle 4 stems

Lighting Low - high

GrowthRate Medium
GrowthForm Stem
Height 1" - 2" Width 2"
Temp (Celcius) 20 - 30 pH
Bundle 5 stems
Alternanthera reineckii mini
Alternanthera reineckii "rosaefolia minor" is an exquisite dwarf form
of A. reineckii that forms very low-growing compact bushes when
cultivated submersed. It assumes a deep brownish-read colour
comparable to A. reineckii 'Rosa' (= "Rosaefolia"). This makes it one
of the very few red-coloured foreground plants. It got known in
Europe around the year 2007; its exact origins are unclear. This plant
is likely identical to Alternanthera reineckii 'Mini'.
When cultivated submersed, A. reineckii "rosaefolia minor" is a rather
slow grower and thus also has a relatively low reproduction rate. The
population doubles in around 6 weeks (information from Jaap
Liefting, aquaplantexchange.nl). The plant is propagated by top or
lateral shoot cuttings or by separating the bushes.
Bundle 10 stems

Price per Bundle 70.00

CommonName AR Mini
Placement Midground
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Medium
GrowthForm Stem
Height 5 - 30 cm Width 5 - 10 cm
Temp (Celcius) 4 - 30
pH 6 - 8
Blyxa japonica
Blyxa japonica grows exclusively submersed, in shallow
ponds, in swamps and slow-flowing woodland rivers rich in
iron, in subtropic and tropical regions of East and South-East
Asia. Throughout its area of distribution, it can also be found
in rice paddies. This Blyxa species has become a very familiar
plant in the aquarium hobby due to its attractive, grasslike,
bushy habit.

Its cultivation is not especially difficult, if some basic

requirements are met: sufficient light (0.5-1 watt per litre or more), CO2 supply and fertilisation with
nitrate, phosphate, potassium and micronutrients. When cultivated in optimal conditions and under
sufficient light, the plant displays golden and reddish hues and a more compact growth habit. Under
insufficient light, B. japonica grows higher and greener, with a more lanky habit. The plant develops
a very large root system and likes its substrate rich in nutrients, or bottom fertilisers, respecitvely.
When phosphate levels are high (1-2 mg per litre), it regularly shoots long stems with tiny white
flowers.

Bundle 2 plants

Price per Bundle 60.00

CommonName Blyxa
Hardiness Moderate
Placement Midground
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 3" Width 3"
Temp (Celcius) 16 - 32
pH 6 - 8
Heteranthera zosterifolia
Heteranthera zosterifolia is a beautiful stem plant with bright green
lanceolate leaves. In its country of origin, Brazil, it usually grows in
stangant waters and swampy regions.
In the hobby, H. zosterifolia has been established for many years
as a decorative plant for Dutch style aquaria as well as nature
aquaria. Here it is used as contrasting plant in the fore-, the middle-
and the background by simply cutting it to the desired height.
Known as star grass by vernacular name, this plant is a great water
quality indicator. A lack of nitrogen (in the form of NO3) lets the
leaves become transparent before they wilt. A lack of
phosphorous (in the form of PO4) changes the plant's bright
green into a darker hue.
H. zosterifolia is a relatively undemanding plant and grows well
at medium light intensities without additional CO2 fertlisation. It
attains its full potential, however, under strong lights and with
CO2 fertilisation, then it shows lush, intensive growth and larger
leaves. When allowed to grow out of the water it will often get
nice blue flowers.

Bundle 10 stems

Price per Bundle 70

CommonName Stargrass
Placement Midground
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 2" - 8" Width 3"
Temp (Celcius) 10 - 30
pH 5.5 - 8
Rotala Mexicana goias
This plant became known as Rotala sp. 'Goiás' in the
hobby. Later on it was identified as a member of the very
variable, widely distributed species Rotala mexicana zählt.
The submersed habit of R. mexicana 'Goiás' is creeping,
dense populations also grow upright.

Placement Midground
Lighting Medium
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 2" - 4" Width .5" - 1"
Temp (Celcius) 18 - 30
pH 6 - 8 YouTube
Bundle 10 stems

Price per Bundle 60

Taxiphyllum barbieri
Taxiphyllum barbieri has long since established in planted tanks,
and for a reason. Its beautiful appearance and its very low
requirements regarding water quality and lighting make it a
coveted aquarium moss. Once adapted, T. barbieri grows under
diverse conditions. This moss may tolerate temperatures of up to
30°C, however, in cooler water of around 24 °C it grows faster and
looks healthier. Whereas it has a more compact, lusher growth
under higher light intensities, it is darker and more spindly under
lower light. Fertiliser and the addition of carbon dioxide help, but
are not necessary. However, if you prefer a lush, healthy-looking
moss with strong growth in your aquarium you should at least
contemplate the use of an iron fertiliser.
This moss soon attaches to the substrate it grows on with its rhizoids (root-like filaments; the small,
hairlike dark brown tufts on the underside of the moss shoots), even on plastic and glass panes
overgrown with algae, which makes it very suitable for decorating wood and rocks it can be tied to
with the help of a nylon line. A Hamburg mat filter is also a very nice substrate for this plant. It
doesn't take long for this moss to cover such a filter entirely, converting it into an attractive feature in
an aquarium. It is also possible to create a beautiful moss carpet in the foreground of the tank even if
the light intensity is low.
Bundle Bunch

Price per Bundle 70

CommonName Java Moss
Placement Midground
Lighting Low
GrowthRate Slow
GrowthForm Epiphyte
Height .25" - 2" Width .25" for individual strand
Temp (Celcius) 12 - 30
pH 5.5-9
Vesicularia montagnei
Vesicularia montagnei is a creeping moss very widely
spread in the Asian tropics, where it is found mainly
emersed, e.g. on moist shaded riverbanks and on moist
forest soil.
Its popular name, Christmas moss, refers to its shoots that
indeed look a little like the branches of a fir tree. They have
a rather regular growth habit and have dense lateral shoots
(under low light, this moss does not ramify well, though).
Grown "fronds" of submersed plants have a triangular
outline and an overhanging habit, however, not as bowed-
down as those of Vesicularia ferriei (weeping moss). The
leaves are around 1 to 1.5 mm long and stand at an almost exact right angle to the stem. The
emersed form has almost round to wide-oval leaves and an acute, sharp-pointed and rather short
tip. Under a microscope, the leaf cells are visible. They are relatively broad (only 2 to 3 times longer
than wide) and thin-walled.

Bundle Bunch

Price per Bundle 70

CommonName Christmas Moss
Placement Midground
Lighting Low
GrowthRate Slow
GrowthForm Epiphyte moss
Height 1.5" - 2" Width 1"
Temp (Celcius) 15 - 30
pH 5.0 - 7.5
 Ammania gracilis
Although A. gracilis may be an uncomplicated stem plant, it
only shows its full potential under strong lights; moreover, it
needs sufficient amounts of CO2 (25-30 mg/l). It prefers soft
and slightly acidic water, but adapts well to more extreme
water parameters. Nitrate and phosphate should be added to
the tank, as well as iron and other micronutrients. A lack of iron
shows in fading leaf colour, whereas too ample a provision
leads to longer stems and a less intensive red (a high nitrate
content also leads to the leaves turning green). A. gracilis
shows its most intensive colouration when nitrates are low and,
at the same time, the content of phosphate and micronutrients is high.
CommonName Pink Ammania
Placement Mid-Background
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 10" Width 4"
Temp (Celcius) 12 - 32
pH 6.5 - 7.2
Bundle 5 stems

Price per Bundle 70

Didiplis diandra
Didiplis diandra (De Candolle) Wood, also known
as Peplis diandra, originates from the east of the
USA, where it can be found on the edges of ponds,
lakes and on slow-flowing waterbodies. It is
considered endangered in some states. When kept
under optimal conditions, it forms small pinkish
pods in its axils. Its one-of-a-kind fine foliage
makes it a very popular and rather widely spread
aquarium plant.
All in all it is not difficult to cultivate, however, it has
some requirements that ought to be met to make
sure it grows well. There should be sufficient light, i.e. 0.6 - 1 watt per litre. Under less light, the
lower parts of the plants tend to die off and rot away. However, please keep in mind that under more
intensive light the plant will also need more iron and micronutrients. Faded, pale plants are a sure
sign that Didiplis diandra suffers from an iron deficit. It is not absolutely necessary to add CO2,
however, fertilising with CO2 results in considerably faster and healthier growth. Nitrate, phosphate
and potassium have to be added in regular intervals, as well as iron and micronutrients, which
Didiplis diandra craves. When kept in optimal conditions and under lots of light, Didiplis diandra
shows colours from orange to red hues. Under less light, the plant tends to stay green.
Bundle 7 stems

Price per Bundle 70

CommonName Water hedge
Placement Mid-Background
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 18" Width .75"
Temp (Celcius) 4 - 30
pH 6 - 7.5
Hygrophila corymbosa angustifolia
H. corymbosa 'angustifolia', with its graceful elongate
foliage, is highly suited to the background of large aquaria
where it can be an interesting foil to broad leaved or round
leaved stem plants. It also lends itself well to forming free
standing groupings in mound arrangements for medium to
large sized aquaria, where the sinuous leaves can most
easily sway and waft in a gentle current.

If it is well illuminated and well fed, this stem plant will

reward the hobbyist with rapid, robust growth and individual
leaves that extend up to five inches in length. Propagation
can be done easily through the pruning of lateral shoots
which readily form along the stem. Also, propagation can
also be done by pruning and replanting the top portion of the
stem. The pruned, rooted portion will become bushier and bushier after repeated trimmings in this
manner. This stem plant readily pierces the water surface and continues growing in the emersed
form, which can potentially form attractive blue-violet flowers.

Bundle 4 stems

Price per Bundle 60

CommonName Hygrophila Angustifolia
Hardiness Very Easy
Placement Background
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 8" - 24" Width 6"
Temp (Celcius) 18 - 30
pH 5.5 - 8
Hygrophila corymbosa Green Stricta
These are best suited as a background plant in the
aquarium due to their height, in medium aquariums they
can even be used as a specimen plant and will give a
great display. This plant is also undemanding and is
suitable for most aquariums, there are a couple of
exceptions. Due to the size of the plant it should be
housed in medium to larger aquariums rather than small
set ups and it does not like low lighting. Lighting
requirements are not too demanding as long as the set up
can provide medium to high lighting then there should be
no problems. Due to its acceptance of a wide range of
parameters it is suitable for novices to planted tanks,
there are some pointers to keep an eye out for though.
Yellowing of the leaves could mean an iron deficiency so
extra supplement will need to be dosed to correct this
situation. Low mineral levels in the water can slow down
the growth and produce stunted plants, yet again upping the dose will quickly solve this problem.

Bundle 7 stems

Price per Bundle 60

CommonName Green Stricta
Placement Background
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 6" - 12" Width 6"
Temp (Celcius) 18 - 30
pH 5.5 - 8
Hygrophila polysperma Green
The stout Hygrophila polysperma is by and large a
universal aquarium plant that is easily acquired. It has
been a part of the aquarium plant hobby for many
years due to its uncomplicated nature. This tough plant
can be found growing predominantly in India and
Bhutan.
Few aquatic plant species are as tough or as
accommodating as this one. Light intensity seems to
be rather unimportant, though lower light values will
result in proportionately slower and more diminutive
growth. Fertilization, as well, seems to be of limited significance in the maintenance of this species.
Its stems will tolerate a variety of hardness values without showing a noteworthy decline in their
exceptionally quick growth. CO2 supplementation is definitely not a necessity for this species, and it
can be grown in non-CO2 aquaria without problems. In this light, it is a recommendable
beginnerï¿1⁄2s plant.
Since H. polysperma develops a multitude of lateral shoots at its leaf nodes, propagation is a simple
matter of removing these and replanting them. An aquarist might also ï¿1⁄2topï¿1⁄2 the stems by
removing and discarding all of the shoot apexes that rise above a given level in the aquarium; new
growth will shortly materialize. The growth of this species is often so rapid that a trim of some sort is
required within two or three weeks of the last pruning.
A group of stems of H. polysperma is best suited to the midground area of the aquarium, where they
will add an interesting geometry to the aquascape. They are of limited contrast value, making them
excellent 'filler' plants in stem plant dominated layouts. Although most hobbyists discount the
decorative value of this species, Takashi Amano frequently uses this plant in his layouts.
Bundle 10 stems

Price per Bundle 60.00

CommonName Green Polysperma
Placement Background
Lighting Low - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 6" - 18" Width 3"
Temp (Celcius) 4 - 35
pH 5 - 8
Pogostemon stellatus
Pogostemon stellatus is a
breathtakingly beautiful plant, which
has made it a very popular aquarium
plant. Unfortunately it is not easy to
cultivate and has high requirements
as to light and fertilisation. Insufficient
light leads to leaf loss lower down on
the stem. A constant CO2 supply is
also a must if you want to enjoy your
plant's beauty to the fullest.
Nitrate, phosphate and micronutrients
should be added to the water column
to ensure long-term success for
cultivating this plant. The
concentrations of nitrate (5-20 mg/l)
and phosphate (0.2-2 mg/l) are not really relevant as long as they are kept stable. However, if
growing conditions change too quickly, the top shoot of the plant may develop a crippled habit, and
lateral shoots form. High levels of nitrate and phosphate cause Pogostemon stellatus to turn green,
whereas lower levels of these nutrients induce colours of purple to orange. Pogostemon stellatus is
an excellent micronutrient/iron indicator - a deficiency of these causes its leaves to turn yellow and
even white in extreme cases.

Bundle 5 stems

Price per Bundle 70.00

CommonName Water Star
Placement Background
Lighting Medium - high
GrowthRate Fast
GrowthForm Stem
Height 12" Width 3"
Temp (Celcius) 15 - 32
pH 5 - 7