Name and family
The waterweed, scientifically Elodea, is a genus from the frog-bite family and originally comes from North and South America. It comprises 12 species, three of which have now also become native to Central Europe:
- Canadian waterweed - Elodea canadensis
- Narrow-leaved waterweed - Elodea nuttallii
- Argentine waterweed - Elodea callitrichoides
also read
- Waterweed in the aquarium - a worthwhile plant
- Waterweed - that's how tolerant it is when it comes to temperature
- Increase waterweed - you will definitely succeed!
Growth and appearance
The plant grows herbaceous and is perennial, actually also evergreen. In winter, the shoots change color outdoors Brown and sink to the ground, but new shoots are reliable in spring.
- grows free-floating or takes root in the soil
- individual tendrils can be up to 3 m long
- the elongated, approx. 3 cm long leaves stand in threes in so-called Whisk
- white flowers from May to September
- However, rarely blooms in this country
Habitats
The waterweed occurs in natural standing waters. She tolerates
Temperatures between 4 and 26 ° C, likes light to partially shaded places and needs a nutrient-rich environment for its growth. It keeps the water clean and enriches it with oxygen. It is also an ideal hiding place and spawning place. These beneficial properties have for them like in artificial habitats Garden ponds and Aquariums brought.Tips
The Argentine waterweed is more sensitive to the cold. It is really safe to overwinter in this country only in an aquarium. It is sufficient if only a small piece is “stored”. In summer it will turn into a large plant.
Multiplication
Female plants were introduced into Europe, so it happened the increase vegetative. An independent plant can develop from every small, even rootless, part of the waterweed. This explains, among other things, its wide spread and how heavy it is be fought can.
At home you can multiply waterweed by cutting a head cuttings or a min. 2 cm long section plant or float in the water.
