Plant database for easy growers

Aponogeton crispus 'Red'

Family: Aponogetonaceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 15 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 28 ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.Tropica.com



Bacopa australis

Bacopa australis was discovered in southern Brazil (australis = southern), and it does not come from Australia, as might otherwise be assumed from its name. Like the other Bacopa-species, Bacopa australis is also easy to grow in an aquarium. Under certain conditions it creeps across the bottom to form an elegantly decorative light green cushion. When Bacopa australis grows in a good light, the leaves become reddish. It is easily propagated by taking side shoots and planting them in the substrate.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Brazil
Height: 7 cm - 30 cm
Width: 2 cm - 4 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Bacopa caroliniana

Bacopa caroliniana has been used as an aquarium plant for many years. Apart from relatively good light it makes few demands. Its slow growth rate makes it one of the few stem plants that do not need much attention. Like most stem plants, it is most decorative when planted in small groups. Easy to propagate by cuttings; take a side shoot and plant it in the bottom.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: USA
Height: 10 cm - 30 cm
Width: 3 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is an easy and highly recommended plant which thrives in almost all conditions. It is a plant which is suitable for the hard water found in many European aquariums. Propagate by cuttings; take a side shoot or terminal bud and plant it in the bottom. Most beautiful when a great number of shoots are planted in a group.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Pan Tropic
Height: 25 cm - 50 cm
Width: 8 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 6 - 9
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Cardamine lyrata

Cardamine lyrata is actually a marsh plant. But it is also a familiar aquarium plant which thrives under water. A characteristic trailing growth form makes it highly decorative, and "water roots'' often form on the plant itself. Plant in groups, and make sure the water temperature does not exceed 28 degrees for long (this makes the leaves much smaller and the plant more leggy). Also suitable in garden ponds in the summer.
Family: Brassicaceae
Origin: Japan
Height: 20 cm - 50 cm
Width: 15 cm - 30 cm
Temperature: 24 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Ceratophyllum demersum 'Foxtail'

Ceratophyllum demersum 'Foxtail' was found in a smaller tributary in Bolivia during an expedition to Rio Guapore, a boundary river between Brazil and Bolivia. Ceratophyllum has no roots as such, but it can still be planted in the bottom of an aquarium. 'Foxtail' differs because its leaves are closer together and it has lateral shoots, which gives it an attractive, compact appearance. The plant also distinguishes itself because it is hardier and its stalks do not break as easily as those of other Ceratophyllum-varieties.
Family: Ceratophyllaceae
Origin: Cosmopolitan
Height: 5 cm - 80 cm
Width: 5 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 9
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Ceratopteris thalictroides

This plant normally grows fast, but the addition of CO2 may be necessary to promote growth. In small open aquariums it can grow out of the aquarium and form beautiful surface leaves. The finely branched leaves are very decorative and provide good contrast to other leaf shapes. In good light Ceratopteris thalictroides grows fast and helps prevent algae by consuming large amounts of nutrients. This makes it a good starter plant in small aquariums.
Family: Pteridaceae
Origin: Pan Tropic
Height: 15 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 9
Information courtesy of www.Tropica.com


Cladophora aegagrophila

Cladophora aegagrophila is not really a plant, but a ball of algae, so it is a decorative exception from the rule about avoiding algae at all costs. It is normally found in shallow lakes, where the movement of the waves forms it into a sphere. In an aquarium it must be turned regularly to keep it in shape. Cladophora aegagrophila can be divided into smaller pieces, which become spherical with time, or which form a carpet, if attached to roots and stones. Protected in parts of Japan.
Family: Cladophoraceae
Origin: Cosmopolitan
Height: 3 cm - 10 cm
Width: 3 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8.5
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Crinum thaianum

Crinum thaianum is a distinctive bulbous plant belonging to the lily family. It is undemanding apart from the fact that it needs plenty of space. Plant so the top 2/3 of the bulb is visible, because otherwise the bulb tends to rot. When the plant grows older it sometimes sends a flower stem up to the water surface with an aromatic, elegant lily flower. Herbivorous fish leave it alone due to its tough leaves. In Thailand the bulb is used in a cream used to soften the skin. It is also suitable for indoor ponds.
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Origin: Thailand
Height: 60 cm - 200 cm
Width: 20 cm - 25 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Cryptocoryne beckettii ''petchii''

Cryptocoryne beckettii "petchii'' is a small variety of Cryptocoryne beckettii, which has beautiful, slightly fluted leaf margins. Like many other Cryptocorynes, the leaf colour and shape depends largely on environmental conditions in the aquarium. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.
Family: Araceae
Origin: Sri Lanka
Height: 10 cm - 15 cm
Width: 8 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae

Cryptocoryne crispatula var. balansae is the oldest known variety of Cryptocoryne crispatula. In the region it comes from in southern Thailand there are limestone mountains, and the water can be very hard. Like many other Cryptocorynes it needs to acclimatise before growth starts in earnest. In recent years a narrow-leaf variety called Cryptocoryne crispatula var. flaccidifolia has often been sold.
Family: Araceae
Origin: Thailand
Height: 20 cm - 60 cm
Width: 15 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 9
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Cryptocoryne undulata ''broad leaves''

Unlike the common Cryptocoryne undulata, this plant has wider leaves and a beautiful, flecked leaf pattern. It also grows larger. It is known botanically as a triploid variety. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.
Family: Araceae
Origin: Sri Lanka
Height: 15 cm - 25 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.Tropica.com


Cryptocoryne x willisii

There is some confusion about the name of this plant. It used (mistakenly) to be called Cryptocoryne nevillii, but this is the name of a species that has never been used in aquariums. Like many other Cryptocorynes, not much happens the first month after planting. But then it starts to grow, and willingly produces plenty of runners which form a compact group. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.
Family: Araceae
Origin: Sri Lanka
Height: 7 cm - 20 cm
Width: 7 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.Tropica.com

Echinodorus bleheri (bleherae)

Echinodorus bleheri is undemanding and beautiful. A nutritious bottom promotes growth, but the plant needs pruning to prevent it depriving plants underneath of light. Echinodorus bleheri does well even in poorly illuminated aquariums, as it grows towards the light. It is a hardy and easy solitary plant for both beginners and the more experienced with quite large aquariums. It has been sold under the name ''Paniculatus''.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: South America
Height: 20 cm - 50 cm
Width: 25 cm - 40 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtest of www.tropica.com


Echinodorus 'Ozelot'

Echinodorus 'Ozelot' is a decorative hybrid between Echinodorus schluteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus x barthii. Naturally, it is the elliptical black spots on the red-brown leaves that have given this plant the name 'Ozelot'. The spots are darkest on the youngest leaves, and unlike many other spotted Echinodorus, 'Ozelot' retains its spots even at low light intensity. It is an undemanding, good plant for beginners.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 20 cm - 40 cm
Width: 25 cm - 30 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com

 

Echinodorus 'Ozelot Green'

A beautiful, dark-green variety of Echinodorus 'Ozelot'. The dark spots form a bigger contrast on the light leaves. The leaf margin is fluted. A nutritious bottom promotes growth. It is an easy and highly recommended plant, which thrives in almost all conditions.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 20 cm - 40 cm
Width: 25 cm - 30 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Echinodorus 'Red Special'

A hybrid of several different cultivated plants, characterised by copper-coloured, spatula-shaped leaves. In some cases these have darker red patches. The plant grows abundantly in a compact shape, and is very decorative as a solitary plant.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 10 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Echinodorus 'Rosé'

This beautiful plant is a hybrid between Echinodorus horemanii "Rot'' and Echinodorus horizontalis. It was first produced in 1986 by Hans Barth in Dessau. New underwater leaves are a beautiful pink, and initially the leaves have red-brown spots. A nutritious bottom promotes growth, but otherwise Echinodorus 'Rosé' is undemanding and thus an excellent plant for beginners.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 25 cm - 40 cm
Width: 15 cm - 25 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Echinodorus 'Rubin'

Echinodorus 'Rubin' is a decorative hybrid between Echinodorus horemanii "rot'' and Echinodorus x barthii. The transparent, ruby-red leaves with light leaf ribs provide a particularly intensive sheen. An undemanding plant whose growth is stimulated by CO2 addition and a nutritious bottom. A good solitary plant for large aquariums.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 30 cm - 50 cm
Width: 20 cm - 40 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Informtation courtesy of www.tropica.com


Echinodorus uruguayensis

Echinodorus uruguayensis has long, narrow, transparent, dark-green leaves, making it a very beautiful solitary plant for large aquariums. The leaf length and width vary considerably. In good growing conditions it forms an unusual number of leaves, and a nutritious bottom and CO2 addition and slightly acidic water promote growth. A number of species formerly regarded as distinct are now included under the name Echinodorus uruguayensis.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: South America
Height: 20 cm - 55 cm
Width: 10 cm - 30 cm
Temperature: 26 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Eleocharis parvula

Eleocharis parvula has short leaves and fast growth making it one of the most impressive carpet-forming foreground plants. It spreads rapidly by runners. It is a relatively easy and undemanding plant that does best with good light and a nutritious substrate. Can be planted in small portions in the substrate and can form a dense carpet in a matter of weeks given the right lighting and conditions. When the leaves get too long they can be pruned with scissors to about 2cm height, encouraging new growth.
Family: Cyperaceae
Origin: Cosmopolitan
Height: 3 cm - 10 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Heteranthera zosterifolia

Heteranthera zosterifolia is an extremely beautiful plant which forms a lot of side shoots and thus quickly forms a bushy plant group. In strong light growth is intensive, and the plant must be pruned before it becomes so compact that no light reaches the lower leaves. Water roots often form on the stem. In open aquariums it forms small blue flowers if some shoots are allowed to spread on the surface.
Family: Pontederiaceae
Origin: South America
Height: 30 cm - 50 cm
Width: 10 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Hygrophila corymbosa

Hygrophila corymbosa is an undemanding starter plant that originates from Asia. In the aquarium it will spread fast and create bright green, long and wide leaves. It is a fast growing plant that must be pruned frequently. New shoots will spread from the stem and make the plant look bushier. The cuttings can be re-planted in the bottom of the aquarium where new roots form quickly.
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 30 cm - 50 cm
Width: 15 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesty of www.tropica.com


Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia'

Under water Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia' has relatively narrow leaves which are grouped close together. Plants sold in the shops are normally cultivated above water, and have rounder leaves with larger gaps between them.
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 25 cm - 60 cm
Width: 20 cm - 35 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis'

Under water the leaves are light-green and dense. In open aquariums Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' grows easily above the water surface, where it forms blue-green leaves and small blue flowers. It grows fast and the shoots must be pinched out regularly if you want to keep the plant under water. An extremely hardy plant, suitable for beginners.
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Thailand
Height: 15 cm - 40 cm
Width: 15 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com

Limnobium laevigatum

Limnobium laevigatum is a decorative plant that is particularly suitable for open aquariums. It is also good in traditional aquariums, because the fine, long and decorative roots provide protection to gouramies and other surface fish that like the roots of floating plants. If there are enough nutrients in the water and the light intensity is good, new leaves will appear above the water surface.
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Origin: South America
Height: 1 cm - 5 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Lindernia rotundifolia

Lindernia rotundifolia grows on sandy banks along streams in Asia. The plant is undemanding and the stems with marbled leaves quickly form compact groups. Lindernia rotundifolia is suitable both for background and as a solitary mid-ground plant with leaves growing tightly from top to bottom. A good starter plant that thrives under most conditions.
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Origin: Asia
Height: 15 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 26 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Ludwigia glandulosa

Ludwigia glandulosa is a very beautiful water plant. It is slowgrowing and requires CO2 addition to grow well. The leaves turn greener if sufficient light is provided. Used to be sold as Ludwigia perennis.
Family: Onagraceae
Origin: North America
Height: 15 cm - 40 cm
Width: 5 cm - 12 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Ludwigia repens 'Rubin'

Variety of Ludwigia repens with striking dark red leaves and stalk. It makes a fine colour contrast to the green shades in the aquarium. Plant in large groups to enhance the decorative effect, and prune regularly to encourage bushy growth. The plant makes few demands, but if light is insufficient the lower leaves tend to fall off. In strong light the colour becomes more intense.
Family: Onagraceae
Origin: North America
Height: 20 cm - 50 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com

 

Marsilea hirsuta

Marsilea hirsuta is a fascinating plant, usually delivered with leaves like a four-leaf clover. After a transitional period it develops different types of leaves, possibly a low form with single leaves like a large Glossostigma, or alternatively develop two, three or four-lobed leaves varying in height, depending on the growth conditions. Whichever form the plant adopts, it forms runners and spreads rapidly round the aquarium.
Family: Marsileceae
Origin: Australia
Height: 2 cm - 10 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 7.5
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Microsorum pteropus

Microsorum pteropus is a water fern which should be grown on a root or stone, attached with fishing line until it has gained a hold. If it is planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome because it will rot. Easy to propagate by splitting the horizontal rhizome. A hardy plant which grows in all conditions. The black spots under the leaves are sporangia (reproductive organs), not signs of disease as many believe.
Family: Polypodiaceae
Origin: Asia
Height: 15 cm - 30 cm
Width: 12 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'

Microsorum pteropus is a highly variable species, and new varieties are easily bred. Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow' has narrower leaves, which grow at a less acute angle from the stem than the normal Microsorum pteropus. The plant attaches readily to roots and stones. A decorative plant, which is also suitable for smaller aquariums. See also Microsorum pteropus.
Family: Polypodiaceae
Origin: Asia
Height: 10 cm - 20 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv'

Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv' is a patented variety of Microsorum pteropus, named after Tropica's founder Holger Windeløv. Its finely branched leaf tips make it one of the most beautiful aquarium plants. A hardy and easy plant for both beginners and the more experienced. Best results are obtained by planting it on a stone or tree root. If planted in the bottom the horizontal rhizome must not be covered. This plant is not eaten by herbivorous fish.
Family: Polypodiaceae
Origin: Cultivar
Height: 10 cm - 20 cm
Width: 12 cm - 18 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtest of www.tropica.com


Polygonum sp.

Polygonum oringates from South America and is highly attractive with its arrow-shaped, red leaves. It demands both high lighting and CO2 levels. After it has adapted to submerged existence its leaves turn a reddish colour. The most decorative effect is achieved by planting it into smaller groups. Polygonum sp. requires a good deal of nutrition, and should be pruned frequently to maintain healthy growth.
Family: Polygonaceae
Origin: South America
Height: 30 cm - 60 cm
Width: 10 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5.5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Rotala rotundifolia

The Latin name means "the plant with the round leaves''. But this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. In aquariums Rotala rotundifolia has long, thin leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.
Family: Lythraceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 15 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 20 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Sagittaria subulata

Sagittaria subulata is an ideal, undemanding foreground plant whose short runners form a compact group. Place individual plants 2-4 cm apart. This plant may cause problems because in certain conditions it suddenly grows to a height of 50 cm when it grows older. But if it is then moved into the background it may become low again. In the aquarium it sometimes sends a long flower stem to the surface, and small white flowers unfold just above the water surface.
Family: Alismataceae
Origin: South America
Height: 5 cm - 30 cm
Width: 10 cm - 15 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Staurogyne repens

Staurogyne repens is a freshly green, compact and hardy plant for the foreground of the aquarium and it was found in River Rio Cristalino in the southern Amazonas. Its nearest relative in the aquaristic is Hygrophila but Staurogyne is different with its marked compact, low and bushy stature and small green leaves. During planting in the aquarium, the longest upright shoots should be cut off and new horizontally creeping shoots will soon form from the plant basis and gradually colonize the gravel.
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Brazil
Height: 3 cm - 10 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com

Taxiphyllum barbieri (Vesicularia)

Taxiphyllum barbieri is a hardy plant which makes few demands on the water or light. The moss grows willingly on any surface, so it is ideal for decorating stones and tree roots or concealing installations in the aquarium. Attach the plant with a piece of fishing line until it has gained a hold on the bottom. If its growth becomes too luxuriant, it can be pruned with scissors. In breeding aquariums Taxiphyllum barbieri is a wonderful hiding place for the young fish.
Family: Hypnaceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 3 cm - 10 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 5 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Vallisneria americana var. asiatica

Vallisneria americana var. asiatica has twisted, green leaves that make a beautiful contrast when planted in groups. Its shorter leaves differ from most other Vallisneria-species and do not overshadow other plants in the aquarium. An easy plant that readily propagates via runners.
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 20 cm - 50 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8.5
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Vallisneria americana (natans)

Vallisneria americana (natans) is a hardy plant for beginners. It has fine, narrow leaves so it does not overshadow other plants much. Easy to propagate using its many runners.
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Origin: South-east Asia
Height: 50 cm - 100 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Vallisneria nana

Vallisneria nana is a solitary contrast plant with dark green, rosulate, narrow leaves. It is extremely suitable as a mid-ground plant, but can also be used as a background plant in small aquariums. The leaves are much narrower than with other species of Vallisneria, nor are they quite as long. In its natural habitat in northern Australia Vallisneria nana reaches a height of only 15 cm, but in aquariums it typically grows to 30-50 cm, which no doubt reflects the different light and nutrient conditions. Vallisneria nana produces offshoots very readily, so compact vegetation will soon develop in good conditions.
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Origin: Australia
Height: 30 cm - 80 cm
Width: 2 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 28 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com


Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger'

Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger' is an excellent plant for beginners, growing in virtually all light and water conditions. The name 'Tiger' is due to its striped leaves. The relatively short leaves make it suitable for small aquariums, and the leaves are also narrow so they do not overshadow smaller plants. Forms runners easily, and is thus easy to propagate.
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Origin: Asia
Height: 30 cm - 55 cm
Width: 5 cm - 10 cm
Temperature: 30 - ° C
pH: 6 - 8
Information courtesy of www.tropica.com