Neptunia

Description

Neptunia is a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as sensitive plant or water mimosa due to its unique characteristic of quickly closing its leaves when touched, disturbed, or exposed to heat or vibrations. Neptunia is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It is a popular ornamental plant in aquariums and water gardens, and its extract is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Neptunia is a creeping or trailing plant that can grow up to 30 centimeters in height and 1 meter in length. Its stems are slender, green, and sparsely hairy, and they bear compound leaves that are bipinnate, feathery, and sensitive. The leaflets are oblong or elliptical, about 1-3 centimeters long and 0.5-1 centimeter wide, and arranged in pairs. The flowers of Neptunia are small, pink, or purplish, and they bloom in clusters from late spring to early fall. The fruits are flat, brown, and pod-like, containing several seeds.

Care Guide

Neptunia is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it requires specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Water: Neptunia is an aquatic plant that prefers clean and still water with a pH range of 6.5-7.5. It should be submerged in at least 6 inches of water, and its water level should not fluctuate too much. Change the water regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and bacteria.
• Fertilization: Neptunia does not require fertilization, but you can add a slow-release aquatic fertilizer or organic matter to the water to enhance its growth and color.
• Soil: Neptunia does not need soil, but you can anchor it to a substrate made of gravel, sand, or aquatic soil to prevent it from floating or uprooting. Make sure the substrate is clean and free of debris.
• Sunlight: Neptunia prefers full to partial sun exposure, but it can also tolerate shade or artificial light. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight for too long as it may cause its leaves to burn or wilt.
• Hardiness Zones: Neptunia can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, which have a minimum temperature range of 20-40°F (-6.7 to 4.4°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

Neptunia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by some of them if its environment is not optimal. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that can attack Neptunia:

• Algae: Algae is a type of aquatic plant that can grow on Neptunia’s leaves and stems, depriving it of light and nutrients. Clean the water and reduce the amount of sunlight to prevent algae growth. You can also add algae-eating fish or snails to your aquarium or pond.
• Fungus: Fungus is a type of microorganism that can infect Neptunia’s roots, causing them to rot and die. Use a fungicide or remove the affected parts of the plant immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Snails: Snails are a type of mollusk that can eat Neptunia’s leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. Remove the snails manually or use a snail trap to control their population.
• Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies that can feed on Neptunia’s leaves, causing them to have holes or tears. Use a biological control or a pesticide to eliminate the caterpillars.

Habitat

Neptunia is a versatile plant that can grow in various aquatic habitats, including ponds, streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It prefers warm and tropical climates with high humidity and rainfall and can tolerate both still and flowing water. Neptunia can also grow in terrestrial habitats such as marshes, ditches, and fields, but it requires constant moisture and rich soil to survive.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Neptunia grow in brackish water?

A: Yes, Neptunia can tolerate a certain level of salinity in the water, but too much salt can harm its roots and leaves. It is best to keep its water fresh and clean and avoid exposing it to saltwater or seawater.

Q: Can Neptunia be propagated by cuttings?

A: Yes, Neptunia can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings taken from a healthy and mature plant. Plant the cuttings in a substrate or water until they develop roots and leaves, then transplant them to their permanent location.

Q: Is Neptunia edible?

A: Yes, Neptunia is edible and has been used as a food source in some cultures. Its young leaves and stems can be cooked or eaten raw, and its flowers and seeds can be used as a condiment or spice.

Q: What is the difference between Neptunia and Mimosa pudica?

A: Neptunia and Mimosa pudica share some similarities, such as their sensitive leaves and pink flowers, but they belong to different genera and families. Neptunia has compound leaves with bipinnate leaflets and small pod-like fruits, while Mimosa pudica has compound leaves with bipinnate leaflets that fold inward when touched and small spherical fruits.

Related Plants

• Mimosa pudica
• Acacia
• Cassia
• Albizia
• Parkia

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neptunia
• https://www.thespruce.com/growing-sensitive-plant-1902775
• https://aquariumtidings.com/neptunia-aquatica/
• https://www.gardenloversclub.com/ornamental/aquatic-plants/sensitive-plant/growing-sensitive-plant/