Waterweed is a fast-growing aquatic plant that can get its nutrients directly from the pond or aquarium water. Therefore, it does not necessarily have to be planted in the pool floor or pond soil, but it can. But which decision makes more sense and when?
There is a lot to be said for planting waterweed
Which speaks for planting
When planting, you can give the waterweed a permanent place in the aquarium or outside in the garden pond. This is especially important if you want other plants to thrive in it. Especially in the aquarium, where space is even more limited than outside in the pond, the plant landscape is deliberately modulated. Since the waterweed grows profusely and forms long shoots, it makes sense that it greens the rear part of the tank. This way it cannot take the light away from smaller plants.
It can also be useful to place the waterweed in a plant basket in the pond. This slows down their urge to spread and makes it easier to get them out of the water for the regularly necessary cutting.
How to plant waterweed
If you multiply waterweed yourself, small pieces of at least 2 cm in length or a head cutting that you cut from an existing plant are sufficient. The commercially available plants are not much larger either. Usually bundles with 5-10 shoots are delivered. How to plant:
- a few shoots are sufficient for aquariums and small ponds
- plant in the pond in spring
- choose a sunny or partially shaded spot
- Water depth between 0.5 and 2 m is ideal
- in the aquarium may be planted at any time
- the place should be bright but without direct sun
- no special demands are made on the floor
- Plant individual shoots a little apart in the aquarium
- in the pond, stick 3-5 bundled stalks into the bottom of the pond
- alternatively in the substrate of a plant basket
let waterweed swim
In a large pond with ample space, the more comfortable float may be preferred. The plant floats in the water and finds its own place. This procedure is also recommended for a breeding tank, as this is usually without substrate.
tips
The waterweed is quite temperature tolerant, the water can be cold or warm. However, it is important that the temperature values in the aquarium are largely constant from the root to the tip of the shoot, for example through a combination of floor heating and water flow.