The culture of the mussel flower is comparatively easy if you pay attention to a few points. From wintering to locations and propagation, you will get important tips here.
Location
The water salad is a floating plant that comes from the tropics. It therefore needs sufficient light and heat in both the pond and the aquarium. The plants do not get constant water movements. It should therefore not be used near the pump or on a stream.
Aquariums
Optimal temperatures and conditions exist in the aquarium if you pay attention to these factors:
- Maintain sufficient distance to the aquarium lamp
- do not use near the filter
- remove excess copies
Note: The Pistia stratiotes are particularly effective in open aquariums that are illuminated from above from a greater distance. It also has a very decorative effect and does not need a separate winter storage in the house. Maintenance is then extremely easy.
garden pond
Since the mussel flower is not hardy, it can only remain in the pond from late spring to late summer. During this time, the rosettes above the surface of the water are extremely decorative and provide shade. They also offer hiding places for aquatic life and thus protection.
Note: Another advantage is that the plants extract nutrients from the water and thereby displace algae, for example. However, it is also possible that they will compete with other aquatic plants.
Substrate
The water lettuce does not need a substrate or fastening as it floats freely in the water. The roots take in nutrients directly from the liquid. They also thrive in a small plastic garden pond.
planting
This is extremely simple. The plants can be used all year round in aquariums. You will be after
When you buy it, simply wash it off carefully and then place it on the surface of the water so that the rosette is facing up.
The plants are introduced into the garden pond when the water has reached a sufficiently high temperature. That means a minimum of 15 degrees Celsius, which also prevails at night.
Fertilize
Fertilization is not necessary. In the garden pond, fish and other aquatic organisms as well as other plants automatically accumulate a layer of sludge. This releases nutrients and makes further fertilizers unnecessary.
The situation is similar in aquariums. Leftover feed, fish droppings and sludge between gravel or sand enrich the water with nutrients. However, there are some factors in aquariums that can reduce the nutrient content of the water. These include:
- Sucking off the sludge
- filter
- Cleaning the windows
- Partial or complete water change
Normally, however, there are still enough substances in it that the plants can continue to thrive without any problems. If the growth slows down, you can place the mussel flower in a container filled with a mixture of water and clay for a few days.
Waste
Blending is not necessary to limit growth or maintain shape. However, there are cases when leaves should be removed. These are:
- discoloring parts of the plant
- dried up sections
- withered leaves
Because if these plant shoots decompose, they can have a negative effect on the quality of the water, rot and give off a very unpleasant odor.
Multiplication
A specific propagation via division, seeds or cuttings is not necessary. Since the floating plant itself reproduces via cuttings, these can easily
separated and implemented if necessary.Note: Especially in summer and under optimal conditions, the plant grows and multiplies very quickly. This can be problematic as the plant crowds out others. If necessary, a part must be removed and disposed of to prevent this from happening.
Overwinter
Since the water lettuce is not hardy and is sensitive to temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius. If the plants are in the garden pond, move them indoors as soon as the temperatures drop below this range.
The following steps are then required for successful wintering:
1. Select a suitable vessel
The container must be of sufficient size, stable and easy to clean. A normal bucket is sufficient for a small number of plants. If, on the other hand, it is a larger amount, a mason's soup, for example, can be a good choice.
2. Clean plant
So that neither germs nor pests from the garden pond are brought into the fresh water, you should rinse the plants thoroughly.
3. Remove damaged parts
Leaves and roots that are damaged or discolored are cut off with sharp, clean scissors. That way, you can prevent putrefaction.
4. Bring in clay
A shallow layer of clay soil is a good source of nutrients. Alternatively, however, you can also add substrate for other aquatic plants.
5. Fill with water
Now fill in enough water for the plants to swim freely.
6. Choose location
The Pistia stratiotes needs a bright location where it is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Also, carry out regular checks and change the water if necessary. This will prevent putrefaction. No precautions need to be taken in aquariums for wintering.
Diseases
Diseases are hardly to be expected in the mussel flower. Apart from rot and mold, there are no other known pathogens that affect the Pistia stratiotes. So you do not have to expect diseases of the plant.
Pests
Similar to diseases, these are not a problem for the plant. Since it comes from significantly warmer regions, the local parasites are not interested in the plant.
Only fish and other water dwellers can add to the Pistia stratiotes if they use the roots as a source of food. Goldfish and koi in particular are able to cause considerable damage. However, due to the rapid propagation of the floating plant, this is usually not a problem.
Care errors
Water salad is comparatively easy to care for, however
Inadvertent errors can occur in the culture. Typical and therefore comparatively common are, for example:Wrong temperature
Temperatures that are too low can quickly destroy the plants. Late frost, protection too late in autumn or wintering that is too cold are devastating care mistakes.
Missing nutrients
Too few or too many nutrients in the water can significantly limit growth and cause the aquatic plants to die.
Missing waste
If wilted sections of plants are left on the mussel flower, they not only pose a threat to them Plant itself, but also for the water quality and living things in garden ponds or aquariums represent. Because the water can literally turn into liquid manure. Characteristic indications are:
- brownish discoloration of the water
- intense, foul odor
- almost oily film on the surface of the water
Carp-like fish such as goldfish and koi feed on the roots of water lettuce, among other things. If the number of animals is too large, however, it can happen that they become too short and can no longer absorb sufficient nutrients from the water. Possible solutions are:
- to reduce the stocking
- to feed the fish more
- take the plants out of the pond until the roots regenerate
Too little light
The Pistia stratiotes does not get too little light or too little temperature. Very shady locations or wintering that is too dark are therefore harmful. If there is no suitable space available for overwintering, the plant can also do in the basement or a dark room. But this only applies as long as a plant light is used.
More bugs
- Failure to overwinter
- Oversupply of nutrients
- destroyed roots by fish
Edible
The mussel flower belongs to the arum family and is therefore not only inedible but also poisonous for humans. For fish and other water dwellers, however, it is not a problem. So despite the name water lettuce, the floating plant is not eatable.
Ban
In 2018 it was discussed whether a ban on water lettuce would make sense. Because it is a plant that is not native to our latitudes and it can spread very invasively. The danger is that local crops will be displaced as a result. However, the ban has not yet been enforced.
Heyday
The mussel flower blooms between June and September. However, if you want to see the flowers, you have to look very carefully. They are extremely inconspicuous and can be found in the middle of the rosettes.