Contents
Description
Hydrocleys is a genus of aquatic plants that belongs to the water hyacinth family, Pontederiaceae. There are two species of Hydrocleys, namely Hydrocleys nymphoides and Hydrocleys martii. Hydrocleys nymphoides is commonly known as the water poppy, while Hydrocleys martii is called the Amazon water lily.Hydrocleys plants are characterized by their circular leaves with a wavy edge that float on the water’s surface. The leaves are bright green and can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The flowers of Hydrocleys are its main attraction, with bright yellow petals that form a star shape. The flowers bloom from spring to fall, and each flower lasts for only one day.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Pontederiaceae |
| Genus | Hydrocleys |
Appearance
Hydrocleys plants have circular leaves that float on the water’s surface. The leaves have a wavy edge and are bright green in color. The leaves can grow up to 15 cm in diameter. The flowers of Hydrocleys are bright yellow and have a star shape. Each flower lasts for only one day and blooms from spring to fall. The flowers are followed by fruits that contain many small seeds.
Care Guide
Hydrocleys plants are easy to care for and can be grown in ponds, aquariums, or water gardens. Here are some tips on how to care for Hydrocleys:Water: Hydrocleys plants require clean, fresh water. Change the water regularly to prevent the buildup of algae and other pollutants.Fertilization: Hydrocleys plants do not require fertilization as they obtain all the nutrients they need from the water.Soil: Hydrocleys plants do not require soil as they float on the water’s surface.Sunlight: Hydrocleys plants require full sun to partial shade. They should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Hydrocleys plants are hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrocleys plants are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to the following:Algae: Algae can grow on the leaves of Hydrocleys plants, causing them to turn green and slimy. To prevent algae growth, keep the water clean and avoid overfeeding fish.Snails: Snails can eat the leaves of Hydrocleys plants, causing damage. To prevent snails, avoid adding them to the same tank as Hydrocleys plants.
Habitat
Hydrocleys plants are native to South America and can be found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. They prefer still or slow-moving water and can grow in water up to 1 meter deep.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Hydrocleys be grown in an aquarium?
A: Yes, Hydrocleys can be grown in an aquarium as long as there is enough space for the plant to grow and the water is clean.Q: How often should I change the water for Hydrocleys?
A: It is recommended to change the water for Hydrocleys plants every 1-2 weeks to prevent the buildup of algae and other pollutants.Q: How do I propagate Hydrocleys?
A: Hydrocleys can be propagated by dividing the plant into smaller pieces and replanting them in fresh water.Q: Can Hydrocleys be grown indoors?
A: Hydrocleys can be grown indoors in a large container or aquarium with enough space and sunlight.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Hydrocleys:- Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)- Amazon sword (Echinodorus amazonicus)- Java fern (Microsorum pteropus)- Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)- Anubias (Anubias barteri)
References
– “Hydrocleys nymphoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277731&isprofile=0&.- “Hydrocleys.” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocleys.
