49 Stem Plants
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Plants FAQ, by multiple authors.
49 Stem Plants
To propagate most stem plants, cut the stem and replant the top
cutting. You can also leave the bottom part (the mother plant)
planted, and it will sprout two or more new side shoots. Some stem
plants will grow out of the water (emersed) and produce flowers. Most
stem plants are suited for grouping as background plants.
Alternanthera reineckii (scarlet hygro, etc.) [HIGH]
Scarlet to deep red color, which turns olive in lower light
conditions. Not to be confused with A. sessilis sold under the
same common names, this species can truly grow underwater. (TAG
6:4, 6:5)
Bacopa (water hyssop) [MED]
A bog plant that grows OK underwater, background or filler
plant. Pale green-to-red fleshy leaves, up to 16" tall stem.
68-78F. Makes good background or side plant, in groups.
Cabomba (fanwort) [HIGH]
Stems up to 20" (50cm) tall. Leaves resemble fine pine needles,
fanning out from central stem. Pair of leaves at each node.
Will tend to break apart and litter the aquarium if light is
too low. Difficult to grow; needs high fertilization.
Cardimine lyrata [MED]
Beautiful, delicate plant. Small (1/2 - 1") heart-shaped leaves
with wavy edges on a thin stem. Grows roots above water at each
node. Tolerates cold water very well; will overwinter outdoors
at temperatures around freezing, even when emersed. Leaves look
kind of like Hydrocotoyle sp., but stem is straight.
Ceratophyllym demersum (hornwort) [HIGH] [HI pH] [FLOATING]
Very hardy. Whorls of forked leaves. Grows leggy under medium
light, quickly under better conditions. No roots, so can be
kept free-floating or planted. Lengths up to 2 feet.
Elodea/Egeria (anachris) [FAST GROW] [MED] [FLOATING]
Prefers low temperature (50-77F) tanks, somewhat alkaline pH.
Translucent green whorled leaves. Good goldfish food and tank
oxygenator. Can be kept free-floating or rooted. Nice beginner
plant.
Hydrocotoyle leucocephala (water pennywort) [HIGH]
Tall stem plant (over 20") with heart-shaped green leaves of 1"
diameter. Develops several small roots at each node. Tolerates
50-82F. Will grow floating when it reaches the top of the water
and flower in the aquarium. Doesn't root well, so needs to be
refreshed occasionally from cuttings. Leaves look kind of like
Cardimine lyrata.
Hygrophila corymbosa (giant hygro, temple plant) [HIGH]
Also known as Nomaphila stricta. Light green leaves, sometimes
with reddish veins. Easily grows out of the water, where leaves
turn dark reddish green. Big plant; makes good
corner/background in large deep tanks. Grows quickly given high
fertilization. Fairly hardy. Another species with similar
appearance and requirements is "narrow-leaved hygro"
(probably H. augustifolia).
Hygrophila difformis (water wisteria) [MED]
Easy to grow. Prefers high light, but grows slowly under
medium. Fine branched light green leaves. Has different emersed
leaves, and flowers above water. Propagated from cuttings. Also
known as Synnema triflorum. Sometimes confused with water
sprite.
Hygrophila polysperma (green hygro, Indian hygro) [FAST GROW] [MED]
Spreads like a weed. Green under medium light, but gets
brownish tinge (and grows larger) in high light. "Sunset" and
variegated varieties are available, but harder to grow. (TAG
7:4)
Limnophila sp. (ambulia) [MED]
Similar in appearance to Cabomba, but less light-demanding.
Grows light green leaves in whorls at each node (Cabomba has a
pair of leaves at each node). There are two common species, L.
aquatica and L. sessiliflora. The former is larger, more bushy,
and has finer leaves. It is hardy in tropical aquaria with high
light.
Lobelia cardinalis
Similar/same the red-flowered land garden plant. Rumored to
leach poison if cut.
Ludwigia repens [MED]
Spade-shaped leaves, dark green to brownish colored. Stiff
stems, up to 20" (50cm) long. For me, transplant stems
sometimes rot.
Mayaca fluviatilis [MED]
Very pretty plant. Light green, narrow leaves about 1/2" long,
arranged in whorls. Attractive for background plantings. Became
commonly available in 1994. Like Hygrophila species, it seems
to be a delicacy for fish. Doesn't root well, so plantings need
to be refreshed from cuttings.
Myriophyllum (water milfoil) [MED]
Temperate water plant that needs good lighting. Good for
background. Fine, green to reddish green leaves, depending on
the species. Produces coarser leaves above water, which will
flower.
Rotala [HIGH]
Very delicate leaves, easily damaged. Grows up to 20" tall, so
they make excellent background plants. R. indica can grow in
medium light, but just will not stay as green. R. macrandra is
largest, and hardest to cultivate. It has red leaves with pink
undersides, turning to green in lower light, and requires iron
fertilization to maintain its red color.
Utricularia (bladderwort)
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