Helophytum Fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. is a small aquatic plant belonging to the Aizoaceae family. It is commonly known as floating pigmyweed or water-bush.
Origin
The plant is native to southern Africa, specifically in the Cape Province of South Africa. It also grows in Namibia and Botswana.
Appearance
The plant has a prostrate growth habit, with stems that can be up to 30 cm long. The stems are cylindrical and branch to form tufts. The leaves are narrow and cylindrical, measuring 3-5 mm long and 1-2 mm wide. They are greyish-green and succulent.
Helophytum fluitans produces small, white flowers that measure about 4 mm in diameter. The flowers are borne singly on the stem and appear throughout the year.
Uses
Helophytum fluitans is commonly used as an ornamental plant in aquariums and water gardens. It can also be used to help control algae growth in fish tanks as it competes with algae for nutrients.
In South Africa, the plant is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and abdominal pain.
Overall, Helophytum fluitans is a versatile plant that can have both aesthetic and medicinal benefits.
Light Requirements
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. requires moderate to high light levels for optimal growth. As a submerged aquatic plant, it is adapted to low light conditions, but it can still grow well under high light levels if given enough nutrients. In natural aquatic habitats, this plant typically grows in shallow waters where it can receive ample sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. prefers warm water temperatures between 20-30°C for optimal growth. It can tolerate lower temperatures, down to 10°C, but growth may slow down. Higher temperatures may also cause stress and reduce growth rates, especially when combined with low nutrient levels.
Soil Requirements
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. is an aquatic plant that does not require soil to grow. Instead, it relies on nutrients and dissolved minerals in the water column. However, it can benefit from a substrate that can anchor its root system and provide a surface for attachment. Suitable substrates for this plant include gravel, sand, and aquatic planting media. The substrate should be well-drained and rich in nutrients.
Cultivation of Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. is best grown in a nutrient-rich substrate, preferably in a large water garden or pond, but it can also be cultivated in smaller containers filled with loamy soil. The plant thrives in shallow water with a depth range between 5-30 cm and can tolerate both sunny and partly shaded positions.
Watering Needs of Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
The water levels surrounding the plant should remain consistent and should be checked often, especially during hot and dry weather. Make sure the water is not stagnant, always use fresh water rather than standing water. Rainwater is also an excellent choice. Irrigation should be done regularly, twice a week during dry periods.
Fertilization of Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
Feed your plant with a well-balanced aquatic fertilizer that comes in pellets. Pellets are better because they are slower in releasing nutrients, which helps conserve the water quality. Apply fertilizers according to the given instructions and reapply throughout the growing season.
Pruning Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
Pruning is mainly done to control the size of the plant and to remove dead or damaged leaves. To prune, gently remove the dead leaves and any unwanted shoots carefully. The plant propagates through runners, so if you want to keep the plant size in check, trim the runners once per year. Pruning can be done during the plant's growing period, between spring and summer.
Propagation of Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh.
Helophytum fluitans Eckl. & Zeyh. is propagated through both vegetative and sexual means.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is the easiest and the most commonly used method for propagating H. fluitans. This method involves taking cuttings from the stem(s) and planting them in a new location to grow new plants.
To propagate through cuttings, a healthy parent plant is selected, and a cutting is taken several inches from the base of the stem. Afterward, the cutting is left to dry for a few days before planting it in a well-draining soil mixture. The soil should always be damp, and the cutting should be placed in a shaded area with high humidity. After a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots, and the new plant is established.
Sexual propagation
Helophytum fluitans can also be propagated through sexual means. The plant produces seeds that are brown or black in color and very small in size.
To propagate through seeds, the seeds are collected, and dusted with a fungicide to prevent infection. A well-draining soil mix is prepared, and the seeds are sowed on the soil surface. The seeds should be placed in a shaded area with high humidity and kept moist. Germination can take several weeks or months.
Disease Management
Helophytum fluitans is generally resistant to many diseases, but several fungal and bacterial diseases may infect this plant. The most common diseases that affect this species are root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.
Root Rot: This disease usually occurs in plants growing in poorly-draining soil. The infected plant may display wilting leaves, yellowing, or curling. To prevent root rot, it is essential to ensure that the soil is well-draining and that the plant is not watered excessively. If the disease has already infected your plant, remove the infected plant from the soil and discard it.
Leaf Spot: This fungal disease usually shows as small water-soaked spots on the leaves. These spots turn yellow, then brown, and ultimately become holes. The use of fungicides can help prevent the spread of leaf spot. Remove the infected leaves and avoid watering the plant overhead, as it can spread the fungus.
Powdery Mildew: This disease appears as a white powdery film on the leaves of the plant. It mostly occurs in humid or low light conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, ensure the plant is exposed to enough sunlight and that the soil is not overwatered. The use of fungicides can help prevent the spread of mildew.
Pest Management
Helophytum fluitans is generally resistant to pests, but several insects may still attack it. The most common pests that affect this plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
Spider Mites: These pests usually appear as tiny red or yellow dots on the underside of the leaves. The spider mites extract the sap from the leaves of the plant, resulting in yellowing and eventual wilting of the plant. To manage these pests, use a strong jet of water to shoot the mites off the leaves. Additionally, periodic misting of the leaves can help discourage spider mites.
Mealybugs: These pests appear as small cottony masses on the leaves and stems of the plant. These bugs extract sap from the leaves, hindering the plant's growth. To manage mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them from the plant. Alternatively, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to the affected plant parts.
Scale Insects: These pests appear as small brown scaly masses on the plant's leaves. The insects feed on the sap of the plant, inhibiting growth and causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage scale insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them from the plant. Alternatively, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the affected areas of the plant.
