Origin
Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. is a plant species that belongs to the family Lythraceae. The plant is native to Africa, specifically in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as the Kilimanjaro River Beauty or the Kilimanjaro Nesaea.
Uses
Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. is primarily cultivated as an aquarium plant due to its aesthetic appearance. The plant has a vibrant green hue that provides a striking contrast within an aquarium. Additionally, the plant is known to purify aquatic ecosystems by removing toxins and pollutants from the water.
General Appearance
The Kilimanjaro River Beauty is characterized as a moderate, stem-plant species that grows up to a height of 10-20 inches. The plant has a thin stem with leaves arranged in alternating patterns. The leaves are lanceolate with serrated edges and a pointed apex. The plant's flowers are small, inconspicuous, and usually do not develop in aquarium settings. The plant's vibrant green hue is its most notable feature.
Light Requirements
Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. grows best in bright, indirect light or partial sun. It is important not to expose the plant to direct sunlight for prolonged periods as it may cause leaf burn. It is recommended to place the plant near a bright window or provide artificial lighting if natural light is insufficient.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. is between 75°F and 82°F (24°C-28°C). The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 68°F (20°C) and as high as 89°F (32°C), but growth may slow in these extreme temperatures. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature as sudden fluctuations can stress the plant and cause leaf drop.
Soil Requirements
Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. requires a nutrient-rich substrate with good drainage. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. A mixture of peat moss, aquatic plant soil, and sand or gravel works well for this plant. It is also recommended to add root tabs or liquid fertilizers to the soil to provide nutrients for the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne Var. Hispidula
Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne var. Hispidula is native to Africa and is a freshwater plant. It grows well in tropical regions where temperatures range between 20°C to 28°C. The plant requires a nutrient-rich substrate for optimal growth and development.
It is recommended to plant it at the bottom of the aquarium, anchored with stones or driftwood. The plant should be placed in a well-lit area, and it needs moderate to high lighting to grow optimally.
Watering Needs for Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne Var. Hispidula
Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne var. Hispidula requires frequent water changes to maintain a healthy aquatic environment. The plant grows best in soft water with a pH between 6.5 to 7.5. It requires a flow rate of around 2-3 times the volume of the tank per hour.
It is recommended to add CO2 to the tank to support the plant's growth. The plant needs a high level of carbon dioxide to photosynthesize.
Fertilization for Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne Var. Hispidula
Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne var. Hispidula needs regular fertilization to support its growth. Fertilizers that contain iron and micronutrients are best for the plant's growth. It is best to use liquid fertilizers and add them to the tank twice a week.
Over-fertilizing can cause the plant to wilt and die. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance between the plant's requirements and the amount of fertilizer introduced into the tank.
Pruning for Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne Var. Hispidula
Nesaea Kilimandscharica Koehne var. Hispidula requires regular trimming to help maintain its shape and promote bottom growth. The plant's top portion can be pruned to one-third of its height, and this encourages new growth.
It's important to keep an eye on the plant's leaves as yellowing or brown leaves could indicate inadequate lighting or nutrients. Additionally, dead and decaying leaves should be removed regularly to prevent decay that could harm the plant.
Plant Propagation of Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula
Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula is propagated through vegetative means. It can be propagated by stem cuttings. Here below is a brief description of the propagation methods:
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is one of the most common and easy methods of producing new Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula plants. The process starts by identifying a healthy mother plant that is free from pests and diseases. The stem cuttings should be taken from the healthy mother plant during the growing season or early in the morning when the plant's water content is optimum.
The stem cuttings should be about 8-10 cm in length and should have at least one node. The lower leaves of the cuttings should be removed to prevent water loss through transpiration. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone to enhance rooting.
The cuttings should then be planted in a potting mix of equal parts of sand and peat moss or vermiculite. It is essential to keep the soil moist and place the cuttings in a shaded area to prevent water loss through transpiration. After about four weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and developed new leaves.
The newly rooted plants can then be transferred to a bigger container or planted directly to the garden and provided with adequate nutrition until maturity.
Disease Management
The plant Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Root Rot: caused by over-watering or poor drainage, leading to the decay of the plant's roots. This disease can be managed by reducing watering frequency, improving drainage, and using fungicides.
- Powdery Mildew: a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the plant's leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, improving airflow around the plant, and using fungicides.
- Leaf Spots: caused by fungal or bacterial infections, resulting in black or brown spots on the leaves. This disease can be managed by removing infected leaves, improving airflow around the plant, and using fungicides.
Pest Management
The plant Nesaea kilimandscharica Koehne var. hispidula (Rolfe) Verdc. is also susceptible to several pests, including:
- Aphids: small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, resulting in distorted growth. This pest can be managed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water, using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Whiteflies: small, winged insects that feed on the plant's sap, leading to stunted growth and yellowing leaves. This pest can be managed by removing infected leaves, using yellow sticky traps, and applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: tiny, eight-legged pests that feed on the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and brown spots. This pest can be managed by increasing humidity around the plant, removing infected leaves, and using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
