Contents
Description
Ottelia Exserta, commonly known as the swamp lily or water lily, is an aquatic plant that belongs to the family Hydrocharitaceae. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, and is found in shallow waters, ponds, and lakes. The plant has broad, floating leaves that are green on the upper side and purplish underneath. The flowers are white or pink and bloom from summer to autumn.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Kingdom | Phylum | Class | Order | Family | Genus ||——–|———|——–|——-|——-|——–|——-|| Eukarya | Plantae | Angiosperms | Monocots | Alismatales | Hydrocharitaceae | Ottelia |
Appearance
Ottelia Exserta is an aquatic plant with broad, floating leaves that are oval or elliptic in shape, measuring up to 30 cm in length and 15 cm in width. The leaves are green on the upper side and purplish underneath, with prominent veins that run parallel to each other. The flowers are borne on long stalks and are white or pink in color, measuring up to 5 cm in diameter. The plant can grow up to 1 meter in height and spreads rapidly in favorable conditions.
Care Guide
– Water: Ottelia Exserta requires constant access to fresh water, and its roots should be submerged in water at all times. The water level should be maintained at a depth of 30-60 cm.- Fertilization: The plant can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer once every 3-4 months. It is recommended to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for aquatic plants.- Soil: The plant does not require soil, as it absorbs nutrients directly from the water.- Sunlight: Ottelia Exserta requires full to partial sunlight to grow and bloom. It is recommended to place the plant in a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ottelia Exserta is susceptible to various pests and diseases that can affect its growth and health. Common pests include aphids, snails, and spider mites, while common diseases include root rot and leaf blight. It is recommended to regularly inspect the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to control them.
Habitat
Ottelia Exserta is found in shallow waters, ponds, and lakes in the tropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The plant prefers calm waters with minimal disturbance and can tolerate a wide range of water temperatures and pH levels.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ottelia Exserta grow in a fish tank?
A: Yes, Ottelia Exserta can grow in a fish tank as long as it has access to fresh water and suitable light conditions.Q: Is Ottelia Exserta a good oxygenator?
A: Yes, Ottelia Exserta is a good oxygenator and can help improve the water quality in ponds and lakes.Q: How often should Ottelia Exserta be fertilized?
A: Ottelia Exserta can be fertilized with a slow-release fertilizer once every 3-4 months.Q: Can Ottelia Exserta be grown in colder climates?
A: No, Ottelia Exserta is not suitable for colder climates and can only grow in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Related Plants
– Ottelia Alismoides- Ottelia Mesenterium- Ottelia Ulvifolia
References
– “Ottelia Exserta” by J. A. Duke and A. Ayensu, Handbook of Energy Crops, unpublished (1983).- “Ottelia Exserta” by R. Govaerts, World Checklist of Selected Plant Families, Kew Publishing (2017).- “Aquatic Plants” by D. L. Johnson and R. W. Stolze, University of Florida IFAS Extension, Publication #SS-AGR-33 (2008).
