Origin
Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. is a species of aquatic plant belonging to the family Hydrocharitaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia, including countries like Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Common Names
Ambulia hottonioides is commonly known as Water nymph, Limnophila heterophylla, and Marsh Mermaidweed.
Uses
Ambulia hottonioides is a popular aquarium plant, valued for its decorative qualities. It is also known for its medicinal benefits and is used traditionally to treat various ailments like rheumatism, arthritis, and urinary tract infections. Some cultures also believe it to have antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.
General Appearance
Ambulia hottonioides is a stem plant that can grow up to 18 inches tall. The plant has long, thin, and branching stems with whorls of narrow, light-green leaves. The leaves are covered in tiny hairs that give the plant a fuzzy appearance. The plant's flowers are small and white, appearing on thin spikes that grow from the stem's leaf axils. It prefers a nutrient-rich substrate and moderate lighting in aquariums.
Light Requirements
Ambulia hottonioides thrives best in a moderate to high lighting condition. Inadequate light may result in the slow growth or yellowing of leaves. It is best to provide at least 2 watts of light per gallon of water, or use fluorescent or LED lights with a color temperature of 5000K to 7000K. It is important to prevent direct sunlight exposure as it may harm the plant.
Temperature Requirements
Ambulia hottonioides prefers a temperature range of 72°F to 82°F (22°C to 28°C), and does not tolerate extreme temperature fluctuations. The water temperature should be kept stable, and the plants should be protected from cold drafts. If the temperature increases beyond the recommended range, it is advisable to provide adequate aeration for the plants to avoid suffocation.
Soil Requirements
Ambulia hottonioides grows well in any substrate with a high nutrient content and good water retention. A nutrient-rich substrate like Aquasoil or Fluorite Black Sand will be beneficial. It is also essential to provide iron-rich fertilizers like Flourish Iron or Seachem Flourish Trace to encourage healthy growth. The water hardness should be kept within the range of 3 to 8 dKH to avoid harming the plants. The pH level should be maintained at 6.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Method
Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. is a popular aquatic plant that is widely grown in aquariums and small water bodies. To start cultivation, it's advisable to propagate the plant from cuttings or plantlets instead of directly planting seeds. Cuttings should be taken from healthy parent plants and planted in a substrate that contains natural clay, laterite, and some sand. The pH level of the substrate should be between 6.5 to 7.5. The plant should also be positioned in a place that receives direct sunlight for at least six hours daily.
Watering Needs
As an aquatic plant, Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. should be grown in water. The ideal temperature for growing the plant is between 18 and 27 degrees Celsius. It requires a moderate water flow which can be achieved by using a submersible pump. When adding water to the aquarium or pond, it's important to maintain the pH levels between 6.5 to 7.5. Water changes should also be done every two weeks to avoid the build-up of toxins like ammonia.
Fertilization
Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. is a fast-growing plant that requires frequent fertilization to remain healthy. Liquid fertilizers can be added to the water, but they should be used sparingly because the plant can easily become overfertilized. It's important to note that the plant requires high levels of nitrates to thrive, and it's advisable to keep the nitrates between 5 to 10 ppm.
Pruning
To maintain healthy and lush growth of Ambulia hottonioides Wettst., it's important to prune regularly. The plant can grow up to 40 cm high, and if left unpruned, it can easily take over the aquarium or pond. Trimming should be done with a sharp pair of scissors or a pruner to avoid damaging the stem. The trimming should also be done at an angle to allow for better penetration of light. The length of the trimming depends on the desired height of the plant.
Propagation of Ambulia Hottonioides Wettst.
Ambulia Hottonioides Wettst., commonly known as ambulia, is a popular aquatic plant among aquarists. It is favored for its attractive appearance, ease of care, and fast growth rate. Propagation is an important part of cultivating ambulia. Here are the most commonly used methods of propagating ambulia:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation involves taking cuttings from the mother plant and rooting them to create new plants. This method is the most effective way of propagating ambulia. The cuttings should be taken from healthy and disease-free plants. Choose a stem with two to three pairs of leaves and trim off the bottom pair of leaves with a clean and sharp pair of scissors. Insert the stem into a substrate or floating mat and maintain the water quality of the tank until the cutting grows roots and establishes itself.
Propagation through Lateral Shoots
Ambulia also produces lateral shoots that can be removed and propagated as new plants. The shoots grow from the stem nodes and are particularly useful when creating a bushy look with several ambulia plants. To propagate through lateral shoots, cut the shoot from the parent plant with a sharp scissors just below the node where it is connected. Plant the shoot in the substrate or float it on the water surface, maintain the water quality of the tank, and watch as it grows into a new ambulia plant.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is not commonly used as it is a time-consuming process and requires specific conditions to produce viable seeds. However, if you are interested in propagating ambulia through seed, it is important to provide a nutrient-rich substrate in the bottom of the aquarium to encourage growth. After the plant produces flowers, you will need to collect the seeds and plant them in the substrate. Keep in mind that ambulia plants grown from seeds may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
With these methods, you can propagate ambulia and enjoy its beautiful appearance and benefits in your aquarium for years to come.
Disease Management
Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. is generally resistant to diseases, but it can still get affected by fungal infections that cause root rot or stem rot. Root rot can happen due to overwatering, while stem rot occurs due to poor air circulation and high humidity.
The key to managing these diseases is to ensure that the plant does not remain wet for too long. Avoid overwatering and make sure that the soil has good drainage. It is also important to provide proper air circulation by placing the plant in a well-ventilated area. In case of severe infection, it may be necessary to treat the plant with fungicides.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Ambulia hottonioides Wettst. The most common ones are aphids, snails, and spider mites.
Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphids, remove them manually or spray the plant with insecticidal soap.
Snails are another common pest that loves to feed on the leaves of Ambulia hottonioides Wettst., causing extensive damage. To manage snails, remove them manually or use snail baits around the plant.
Spider mites are tiny pests that spin webs and suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and dry up. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a pesticidal soap or a miticide.
Regularly inspecting the plant and taking preventive measures, such as avoiding overcrowding and maintaining good plant hygiene, can go a long way in managing pests and diseases.
