Encyclopedia - Plants for ponds
Limnobium (stolon-bearing)
Limnobium stoloniferum
Limnobium is a surface-floating plant with round glossy leaves 2–3 cm in diameter, borne on short petioles. It is used not only as an ornamental plant but also as a natural shade provider in the aquarium. Under favorable conditions Limnobium, rapidly spreading, can cover the entire surface of the aquarium. In such cases excess plants should be removed periodically. The fibrous roots of Limnobium effectively clarify turbid water. Thanks to its undemanding nature the plant is very popular among aquarists. In home conditions it is possible to achieve even growth throughout the year.
Limnobium is undemanding as to temperature. It can be kept in tropical and moderately warm aquaria at temperatures from 20 to 30 °C. In colder water the plant's growth noticeably slows. In soft water Limnobium grows somewhat better than in hard water. Preferred water hardness is no more than 10–12°, and the active reaction (pH) value is not critical. Regular water changes are desirable, but the plant tolerates old water well.
Lighting for Limnobium, as for most floating plants, should be strong, though it tolerates short-term shading. Under natural light, especially sunlight, Limnobium looks particularly attractive and reaches its maximum size. It can also grow satisfactorily under artificial lighting. For this, fluorescent lamps of the LB type with an output of at least 2 W per 1 dm2 of surface are used. The use of incandescent lamps is undesirable, as leaf burn may occur. The photoperiod should be at least 12 hours.
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