Overview:
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. is an aquatic plant that belongs to the family Ceratophyllaceae. It is commonly known as the “hornwort” plant, due to its horn-like appearance. This submerged plant is characterized by its rapidly growing shoots that can reach up to 2 meters in length. The plant is native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
General Appearance:
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum appears as a dense and bushy plant with stiff, coiled stems that are anchored to the bottom of the water body. The plant does not develop true roots but has numerous small roots that absorb nutrients from the water. The leaves of the plant are arranged in whorls of 6 to 12 and are hair-like and flaccid. The leaves are dark green in color, have serrated margins, and are 1 to 3 cm long.
Common names:
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum is known by several common names such as hornwort, coontail, and fog moss. The plant was given the common name "coontail" because of its resemblance to the tail of a raccoon.
Uses:
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum has several uses. It is commonly used in aquariums as it provides excellent cover for fish and can help in maintaining the water quality. The plant is also used in aquaculture as a floating bio-filter to remove pollutants from the water. It is also used in the treatment of wastewater, wetland restoration, and as a forage crop for wildlife such as ducks.
Light Requirements
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum requires high light intensity for proper growth. The plant grows best in full sunlight with at least 8 hours of light per day. It can tolerate some shade but may not grow as vigorously.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal water temperature for Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum is between 20-28°C. The plant can tolerate a range of temperatures but may experience stunted growth or die off if temperatures drop below 10°C or exceed 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum does not require traditional soil as it is an aquatic plant. It can grow in various substrates such as sand, gravel, and mud. However, it prefers substrates that are rich in nutrients and organic matter. It can grow in both freshwater and brackish water.
Cultivation methods
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. typically grows in shallow freshwater, ranging from ponds and lakes to slow-moving rivers and marshes. As a cultivated plant, it can also thrive in an aquarium or any small container with water, as long as the water is kept clean and free of contaminants.
When cultivating C. demersum in a container, ensure that the water depth is around six inches or more to allow sufficient root growth. The water temperature should be between 60 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and bright but indirect lighting promotes healthy growth.
Watering needs
Ceratophyllum demersum is an aquatic plant, so it primarily relies on water to meet its hydration needs. The water in which it is cultivated should be clean and free of pollutants, as dirty water can harm the plant. Container plants should be watered regularly to ensure that the water level remains consistent. It is worth noting that Ceratophyllum demersum can tolerate hard or soft water, but soft water is more ideal for cultivation if possible.
Fertilization
Ceratophyllum demersum does not require extensive fertilization, nor should you use fertilizers on this plant. In aquarium cultivation, the waste generated by fish can provide sufficient nutrients for the plant. In freshwater ponds or outdoor cultivation, the decaying organic matter in the water and soil can provide the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Ceratophyllum demersum does not require significant pruning as it can quickly grow and fill any space in the water body. However, if necessary, it can be trimmed lightly with scissors or other tools. To avoid damaging the plant, use sharp tools, and avoid over-pruning. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's size and promotes branching for a more attractive appearance.
Propagation Methods of Ceratophyllum Demersum L. var. Apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers.
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. is a versatile aquatic plant that can propagate through various means. The following are some of its propagation techniques:
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation is a method of growing plants asexually, in which a new plant is grown from a fragment of the parent plant. Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. propagates vegetatively through fragmentation whereby segments of the stem with numerous nodes are broken off and allowed to root in small containers filled with sand or gravel. The plant also produces turions, which are specialized buds that detach and root, ultimately forming new independent plants. Vegetative propagation is effective and also helps in maintaining consistency in genetic traits present in the parent plant.
Seed Propagation
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. propagates sexually through seed production, although it is rare in an aquarium. It forms small flowers that emerge from the leaves, and the plant produces seeds that are relatively small and require specific conditions to sprout. The seeds must be stratified in the damp sand and kept at low temperatures in the refrigerator for about one month until they germinate.
In Vitro Propagation
In vitro propagation is a tissue culture technique in which plant cells are cultivated in a laboratory environment on a nutrient medium to produce a mass of identical plants. Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. can be propagated through in vitro techniques using aseptic apical meristems, which are sterile plant tissues rich in growth hormones. The apical meristems are cultured in plant tissue culture media containing balanced nutrients, hormones, and other growth factors. This method can produce a large number of identical plants under controlled conditions, avoiding pests and diseases. The resultant plants are also healthy and free from mutations.
In conclusion, Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. is a versatile aquatic plant that can reproduce through various means, including vegetative propagation, sexual propagation, and in vitro propagation. Propagation is essential in maintaining the plant's population and genetic diversity.
Disease Management
Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. is a hardy plant and is relatively resistant to diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect this plant, including:
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease appears as small, dark spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and destroy them. Avoid getting water on the plant's leaves as this can help spread the disease. Use a fungicide if necessary.
- Bacterial infections: Ceratophyllum demersum is susceptible to bacterial infections, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage this disease, remove infected plants and avoid over-watering the remaining plants. Use a bactericide if necessary.
Pest Management
There are several pests that might attack Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. These pests include:
- Snails and slugs: These pests can eat the plant's leaves and damage it. To manage snails and slugs, remove them by hand or use a slug bait.
- Beetles: Beetles can also eat the plant's leaves. To manage beetles, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Aphids: Aphids suck the sap from the plant and can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
It is important to regularly inspect Ceratophyllum demersum L. var. apiculatum (Cham.) Aschers. for signs of diseases and pests. Early detection and management can help prevent the spread of diseases and reduce damage caused by pests. Additionally, it is important to maintain proper growing conditions, including adequate lighting, water quality, and nutrients to keep the plant healthy and resistant to diseases and pests.
