Elatine

Description

Elatine is a genus of aquatic plants that belong to the family Elatinaceae. There are about 20 species of Elatine, and they can be found in freshwater habitats all over the world. These plants are small and delicate, with thin stems and tiny leaves. They are often used in aquascaping and planted aquariums because of their attractive appearance and ease of care.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Elatine plants are small and delicate, with thin stems and tiny leaves. The leaves are typically oval or round and can range in color from light green to reddish-brown. The plant can grow up to 3 inches in height, but usually stays much smaller. When grown in the right conditions, Elatine can form dense mats that cover the substrate in an aquarium or pond.

Care Guide

Elatine is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements.

Water:

Elatine prefers clean, clear water that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.5) and moderately soft to hard (4-15 dGH). The plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in warmer water (72-82°F).

Fertilization:

Elatine requires regular fertilization to grow and thrive. Use a high-quality liquid or substrate fertilizer that is specifically formulated for aquatic plants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosing.

Soil:

Elatine prefers a nutrient-rich substrate that is high in organic matter. Use a specialized aquatic plant substrate or a mixture of gravel and soil to provide the plant with the nutrients it needs to grow.

Sunlight:

Elatine requires moderate to high levels of light to grow and thrive. Provide at least 8-10 hours of light per day using a high-quality aquarium light or natural sunlight.

Hardiness Zones:

Elatine is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which means it can be grown outdoors year-round in warmer climates. In cooler climates, it should be grown indoors in an aquarium or greenhouse.

Common Pests & Diseases

Elatine is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:

Algae:

Elatine can be prone to algae growth, especially in aquariums with high levels of light or nutrients. To prevent algae growth, keep the aquarium clean and well-maintained.

Snails:

Snails can be a problem in aquariums with Elatine. They can eat the plant and damage its delicate leaves. To prevent snail infestations, avoid overfeeding and keep the aquarium clean.

Habitat

Elatine is found in freshwater habitats all over the world, including ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. The plant prefers slow-moving or still water and can be found in both sunny and shaded areas. Elatine is often used in aquascaping and planted aquariums because of its attractive appearance and ease of care.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Elatine be grown in a pond?

A: Yes, Elatine can be grown in a pond as long as the water is clean and the plant receives enough light and nutrients.

Q: How often should Elatine be fertilized?

A: Elatine should be fertilized regularly, about once a week, using a high-quality liquid or substrate fertilizer.

Q: Can Elatine be grown without substrate?

A: Elatine can be grown without substrate, but it will need to be anchored to rocks or driftwood to prevent it from floating away.

Q: Is Elatine a good plant for beginners?

A: Yes, Elatine is a good plant for beginners because it is easy to care for and doesn’t require any special equipment.

Related Plants

• Hemianthus Callitrichoides
• Staurogyne Repens
• Glossostigma Elatinoides
• Lilaeopsis Brasiliensis

References

• “Elatine.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden. http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Elatinaceae/Elatine/
• “Elatine triandra.” AquaticPlantCentral.com. https://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/wiki/Elatine_triandra
• “Elatine Species.” Tropica.com. https://tropica.com/en/plants/plantdetails/Elatine