Heteranthera (sharp-leaved)

Family Pontederiaceae. The plant's native range is the tropics of South America.

Heteranthera (sharp-leaved) is a very delicate long-stemmed plant with light-green narrow leaves. Stems can reach 40–50 cm in length, but Heteranthera is more suitable for a small aquarium with a low water level, since in deep aquaria the lower part of the stem may shed leaves and lose its decorative appearance. In that case the tips of the plant have to be broken off and replanted in the substrate. Heteranthera is quite widely distributed among aquarists because it is comparatively undemanding in terms of care. It grows evenly throughout the year.

Heteranthera (sharp-leaved) is better suited to a tropical aquarium with a water temperature of 22–26 °C, but it can also be successfully kept in a moderately warm aquarium at around 20 °C. Growth slows noticeably in colder water. The water should be soft and slightly acidic. In hard water old leaves die off quickly and only the tips remain, making the plant look unattractive. In aged aquarium water to which a little peat has been added, Heteranthera feels good and grows very quickly. Regular water changes are not required.

Lighting should be fairly bright. With insufficient light Heteranthera not only becomes very elongated, its leaves also become much smaller. Lighting can be natural or artificial. In large deep aquaria it is advisable to provide side lighting for Heteranthera. The length of the photoperiod can vary widely and depends on the intensity of illumination. The plant is best kept in an aquarium with light-loving hydrophytes.

Substrate for Heteranthera is not of major importance, as it obtains most of its nutrients directly from the water. Special mineral fertilization is not required. In this regard, align care with the more demanding plants present in the aquarium.

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