The Common Elodea (Egeria densa) is one of the oldest and most recognized aquatic plants in fishkeeping. In fact, it is ideal for those just starting out, as it helps to easily set up biological balance in a new tank.
These plants are originally from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. In addition, it prefers calm waters or with little flow.
Egeria densa is a multi-year dioecious aquatic plant. In such a way that it grows with very quickly, with favorable conditions, can reach 2 meters in length or more. A plant has a verticalized stem, up to 5 meters long and 1-3 mm thick; it is cylindrical, rectified or branched, with very short nodes.
It is an easy species to take care of. However, the only necessary requirement is a good level of lighting, otherwise, as the lower leaves of the plant (which are generally less light) may start to fall.
Technical Details
Name: Common Elodea
Scientific Name: Egeria densa
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Monocotyledonae
Native Distribution: South America (Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay);
Care
Planting Location: Bottom of the tank;
CO2 usage: No;
Fertilization: No;
Lighting Intensity: Medium / Strong;
Fertile Substrate: No;
Use In Hardscape
Egeria densa is one of the easiest plants to grow. First, it can grow as a floating plant or attached to the substrate. As it does well in almost all conditions, it soon begins to grow vigorously when placed in the fish tank.
They are commonly used to fill the bottom of the tank, as they are plants that grow very quickly. Egeria densa does not require fertilization or use of CO2, however, if the tank has it, its growth will be accentuated.
See Also:
Propagation
Propagation of Egeria densa is very easy. In addition, it is a species that grows and reproduces easily. However, the hobbyist should only cut a healthy stem from the main plant and replant it in the substrate.
Choose a long, healthy stem with many leaves to cut and that is at least 20 cm long. Soon after, trim the leaves from the bottom of the plant and then bury the stem 1 to 2 cm in the substrate. The new cut will develop roots and start growing again.
If you do not remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem and plant them in the substrate, the leaves will begin to deteriorate and rot.
Bibliographic References
Yarrow, M. & al. (2009): The ecology of Egeria densa Planchon (Liliopsida: Alismatales): A wetland ecosystem engineer? – Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 82: 299-313
Hussner, A .: Aquatische Neophyten in Deutschland. (http://www.aquatischeneophyten.de) Stand: 15. Oktober 2010 (abgerufen am 10. Oktober 2012)
