Thistle tree is an unpretentious moisture-loving plant of the Aralian family. He is loved and actively used by aquarists to decorate the foreground. From the Latin name - Hydrocotyle - a Russian analogue of the name - hydrocotyl - arose.
Description
The plant is most common in the subtropics and tropics of the southern hemisphere, although some species are found in Europe and Asia. It grows in natural waters, although it can exist on well-moistened land. Most representatives of the genus are perennials, but annual plants are also found.
Hydrocotyl grows not up, but horizontally. Creeping thin stems are covered with nodules at a distance of 1-2 cm from each other. From each node, 2-3 round leaves are formed on individual petioles. The petiole can be up to 20-30 cm long. The shoots are bright green, leaf blades resemble water lilies. The diameter of the leaf can be from 2 to 4 cm. Under each rosette with leaves, filiform roots are formed, which easily cling to the soil.
With sufficient lighting, by the middle of summer, small umbrella inflorescences appear from under the foliage. Flowers are miniature, snow-white. Sometimes the corolla acquires light shades of green, purple, pink or yellow. Oval-shaped flower petals with a solid edge and pointed tip. Threadlike pistils are slightly protruded from the central part. The fruit in the form of a seed has a pentagonal ovoid shape and is slightly flattened on the sides, up to 5 mm in length.
Varieties
The most common among aquarists received baldwort. It lives in the wetlands of Argentina and Mexico. The plant is adapted for coastal wetlands, as well as for underwater growth. In an aquarium, unpretentiously, quickly adapts to any changes and actively starts growing. Able to rise above the soil by 50 cm. Rising stems with a rounded cross section along the entire length are covered with leaves. Thistle leaf rapidly grows under the water column and spreads on its surface. In order for the rest of the flora to receive sufficient lighting, it must often be cut off. To create comfortable conditions in the aquarium, it is placed in the background or side view. The following water parameters are optimal:
- acidity: 6-8;
- temperature: + 18 ... + 28 ° C;
- Lighting: 0.5 W / L.
Thistle tree found in fresh or swampy waters in Southeast Asia. Perennial attracts a bright, neon color of greenery. The plant is very compact, does not rise upward, but spreads along the bottom. The stem in the form of a thin whiskers with internodes takes root in the ground, only leaves on long petioles rise (about 10 cm). Leaflets are rounded, small, 1-3 cm in diameter. The edges are wavy or slightly jagged. For normal growth, water should meet the following indicators:
- acidity: 6.2-7.4;
- stiffness: 1-70;
- temperature: + 20 ... + 27 ° C.
It is necessary to ensure constant feeding with carbon dioxide and change at least 20% of the water in the aquarium once a week.
Thistle tree whorled lives in the subtropics and temperate climate of South and North America. Adapted to life under water and on land. Leaflets rarely reach a diameter of 3 cm, although they are mounted on cuttings up to 10 cm long. This creeping perennial is very demanding on lighting, without which it quickly dies.
Common thyfoil found in southern Europe and the Caucasus. It differs from other species in that it does not rush to the surface of the water. Its shoots creep along the bottom of the reservoir. The leaves are larger, reaching a width of 6-8 cm. They are located parallel to the bottom and resemble flat tables on long legs. Petioles usually grow by 15-18 cm. The plant prefers low water temperatures, but does not winter in a temperate climate.
Thistle sibtorpioides It is a very decorative variety due to its carved foliage. This inhabitant of Southeast Asia is very demanding and difficult to cultivate. The height of the shoots is 15-40 cm from the ground. A tender stalk can either creep along the bottom or rise vertically in the water column. Miniature leaflets rise on petioles 11 cm long. Their diameter is 0.5-2 cm. In order for the plant to take root in the aquarium, it is necessary to provide it with bright lighting and fertilizing with carbon dioxide. Water requirements are as follows:
- acidity: 6-8;
- temperature: + 20 ... + 28 ° C.
Thistle tree Asian or Indian in Ayurveda is known as “Gotu Kola” or “Brahmi”. It is a land variety of plants. Height is 5-10 cm. Stems creeping, knotted. Rosettes of leaves with a diameter of 2-5 cm are formed on them. The leaves are thickened, ovate, attached to the stem with petioles 7-9 cm long. Peduncles are formed in the internodes, which are somewhat shorter than the petioles. On each of them 3-4 flowers of pink color with a length of 1-5 mm are revealed. This species is known for its medicinal properties. In oriental medicine, its shoots and leaves are used as anti-inflammatory, stimulating, wound healing and expectorant drugs. Medicines based on it help improve cerebral circulation and are considered an excellent stimulator of brain activity.
Breeding methods
Thanks to the roots that are formed on each node of the stem, the carpel is very easy to propagate by division. It is necessary to cut off a site with one or more roots and plant it in a new place. With sufficient lighting and optimal water parameters, the transplant will be completely painless.
Plant care
Thistle tree prefers clay or sandy loamy nutrient soils. Demanding on lighting, although some varieties allow slight shading. In the open ground, plants do not winter, so at least part of the stems are dug for the winter, transplanted into tubs and stored in a heated, well-lit room.
When grown in an aquarium, it is necessary to regularly update part of the volume of water. This will provide the plant with access to essential nutrients. In an aquarium, a hydrocotyl is planted in coarse river sand mixed with fine gravel. So it will be possible to maintain the transparency of the water. In order for the root system to receive sufficient nutrition, small lumps of clay, charcoal or pieces of peat are placed under the sand layer.
For a harmonious design of the flora of the aquarium, you should control the green mass of the Wormwood and trim in time. Any transplants and movements must be performed with care so as not to break the fragile stems.
Some varieties are suitable for growing in an ordinary pot, it is enough to provide constant abundant watering. The pot should be selected clay and fill it with fertile loams.
Using
The pennywort will be an excellent decoration not only of the aquarium, but also of the coastal part of water bodies. It is convenient to plant it in deep boxes with flooded soil, which are taken outside for the summer. The plant behaves as a groundcover and provides a bright lawn on an unsightly swampy shore or already under water.
In the aquarium, bright greens will certainly attract attention and at the same time will become a reliable shelter for small fish. Since wide leaves become an obstacle to light, it is recommended that the neighborhood with the shade-tolerant inhabitants of the aquarium flora.
