Origin and Common Names
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L., also known as European Frogbit, is a floating aquatic plant originating from Europe and western Asia. Its common name, European Frogbit, comes from its resemblance to a miniature water lily pad, which is a favorite food of frogs.
Appearance
The plant has heart-shaped floating leaves that can measure up to 3cm in diameter, and small white flowers that bloom around July to September. The roots are unbranched, unattached and hang freely in water, while the stems are long and thin, appearing like thin white strands.
Uses
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. is commonly used in freshwater planted aquariums as a decorative plant, as well as an alternative for the popular duckweed plant. The plant is also used in treating wastewater, as it has been known to remove excess nutrients from the water. Additionally, the plant is a beneficial food source and habitat for aquatic wildlife such as fish and frogs.
Light Requirements
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. requires full sun to partial shade to grow. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. If the plant is grown in the shade, it will not bloom as much as those grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. is between 10°C to 25°C. The plant tends to prefer cooler temperatures and is not very tolerant of extreme heat. It does not do well in regions where the temperature goes beyond the mentioned range, and frost can affect its growth.
Soil Requirements
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. prefers to grow in wet or marshy soil. The plant survives in water up to 70cm deep and does well in thoroughly wet soil. It requires fertile soil with high organic content to accommodate its growth. The water pH must be neutral to slightly alkaline, with a pH range between 6.5 - 7.5.
Cultivation of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L., commonly known as common frogbit, is an aquatic plant that requires a specific set of conditions to grow. To cultivate it, you need to start by selecting a location with adequate sunlight, preferably six hours of direct sunlight daily.
The plant grows well in still or slow moving water, preferably a pond with a depth of about 35cm. Ensure that the pond has a fertile soil bed to support the growth of the plant.
Watering Needs
Common frogbit grows well in still or slow-moving water. The plant should be submerged in the water, with its leaves floating on the surface. Avoid allowing the plant to dry out or submerging it too deeply that it can't reach the surface. You also need to ensure that the plant is growing in good quality water.
Fertilization
Since the plant grows in water, fertilizing it requires an approach different from that of terrestrial plants. You can add a slow-release fertilizer to the bottom of the pond at the start of the planting season. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer with the recommended dosage. For best results, it's advisable to use an aquatic-specific fertilizer that meets the plant's requirements.
Pruning
The primary aim of pruning common frogbit is to control its growth and spread in the pond. You should gently remove any dead or yellowing leaves and flowers from the plant to encourage new growth.
It's also crucial to remove any excess growth to prevent overcrowding in the pond. If you notice that the plant is spreading too rapidly, you can prune it by removing a section of the plant and disposing of it carefully.
Propagation of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L., commonly known as frogbit, is a floating freshwater plant that belongs to the Hydrocharitaceae family. Propagation of the plant can be done in mainly two ways:
1. Vegetative Propagation
Frogbit is known to propagate vegetatively. The plant develops stolons that are long, thin, and branching underwater runners that allow it to spread its growth. The stolons sprout new plantlets at distal ends, which later develop roots and leaves and detach from the parent plant. Ensure that the plantlets have enough nutrients, light, and space to grow and establish themselves in the water body.
2. Seed Propagation
Frogbit is dioecious, meaning plants are either male or female. The flowers of the male and female plants are distinct. The female flowers are smaller, raised above the water, and have a yellow spot in the center where the ovary is situated. The male flowers are larger, pear-shaped, and emerged and break free from the water. The flowers grow on a flexible stem above the water. After pollination, the flowers give way to fruits that contain the seeds.
Seeds are collected by gently pressing the fruits underwater to release the seeds. The released seeds are then cleaned and placed in a container with water for stratification. This process will help increase their chances of germination. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a container of water with the appropriate nutrients and allowed to grow until they are mature enough to be transplanted to the desired location.
Propagation of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. is relatively easy. Vegetative propagation is a faster way to multiply the plant, while seed propagation takes longer but produces more plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. also known as the common frog-bit, is a floating aquatic plant that is prone to pest and disease attacks. Good disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the health of the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root rot: This is a common disease caused by water molds and fungi that attack the plant's roots. The plant then becomes weak and dies. To manage root rot, remove affected parts of the plant and avoid over-watering. Ensure that the plant's roots are healthy by providing good drainage and using quality soil.
Bacterial wilt: This is a disease that affects the ability of the plant to conduct fluids. Symptoms include wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage bacterial wilt, remove affected parts of the plant and avoid over-watering. Ensure good hygiene practices by cleaning tools used on the plant and avoiding working on the plant when it is wet.
Common Pests
Snails and slugs: These pests feed on the plant's leaves, leaving holes and damage. The damage can weaken the plant and cause it to die. To manage snails and slugs, eliminate hiding places around the plant, such as rocks and debris. Use slug traps or handpick the pests. You can also use organic baits to control them.
Aphids: These pests suck the sap from the plant's leaves, leading to stunted growth, yellowing, and curling of leaves. To manage aphids, use insecticidal soaps or oils to control their population. You can also release beneficial insects, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to eat the aphids.
Overall, good plant management practices, including frequent monitoring of pests and diseases, are essential for keeping hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. healthy. By following the suggestions above, you can keep your plant disease and pest-free, leading to a more robust and attractive plant.
