Plant Description:
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. is an aquatic plant that belongs to the family Lythraceae. The plant is native to Madagascar and is commonly used as an aquarium plant. With its delicate stems and bright green leaves, it adds beauty to any aquarium.
Common Names:
The plant has various common names, including Foxtail Nesaea, Nesaea Flora, Madagascar Nesaea, and Nesaea Green.
Uses:
Nesaea radicans is primarily used as an ornamental plant in aquariums. It is a popular choice because of its attractive appearance and its ability to tolerate a wide range of water conditions. The plant also helps to purify the water in the aquarium by absorbing nitrates and other harmful compounds. Additionally, some people believe that the plant has medicinal properties and use it for various health ailments.
General Appearance:
Nesaea radicans can grow up to 30 cm tall and has a spread of around 15 cm. The stems and leaves of the plant are thin and delicate, giving it a graceful appearance. The leaves are bright green in color and can grow up to 3 cm long. The plant produces flowers that are pink or white in color and bloom during the summer months. In an aquarium, the plant requires moderate to high lighting and regular water changes to thrive.
Growth Conditions for Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern.
Light: This plant requires a moderate to high level of light to thrive. It should be placed in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that allows ample sunlight to enter the room.
Temperature: Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. prefers a warm temperature range of 75-85 °F (24-29°C). It is sensitive to cold and should not be kept in a location with temperatures lower than 60°F (16°C) or it will not survive.
Soil: The plant prefers a substrate that is nutritious, well-draining, and slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0). It is suggested to use a soil mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. can also be grown hydroponically, as it can flourish in a nutrient-rich, aqueous environment.
Water: It is essential to keep the soil consistently moist, though not waterlogged. During the growing season, frequent watering is required, and the soil should never be allowed to dry out. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilizers: Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. requires a balanced liquid fertilizer, preferably one explicitly formulated for aquatic plants. These fertilizers provide the necessary nutrients for the plant to grow healthy and strong. It is suggested to fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season.
Humidity: The plant does not require high humidity to thrive, but it does well in environments that are slightly humid. It is suggested to place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. Avoid placing the plant near an air conditioner or heater that may cause the air to be too dry.
Cultivation Methods
The Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. is native to South Africa. For optimal growth and survival, the plant should be cultivated in a subtropical or tropical climate. It can tolerate temperatures between 68°F-82°F (20°C-28°C).
The plant prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range between 6 and 6.5. The soil should be well-draining and rich in nutrients. Nesaea radicans flourishes in moderate sunlight and requires partial shade. It is best planted in an area with a minimum of four hours of sunlight every day.
Watering Needs
Proper and consistent watering is essential for the Nesaea radicans to thrive. Adequate water helps with growth and prevents the plant from drying out. The plant requires moderate watering, and the soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can cause root rot, which can lead to the plant's death.
The plant should be watered directly at the base, avoiding leaves or flowers as the water droplets can damage them. The plant needs a watering schedule of two to three times per week in hot weather or when grown in high humidity regions. During winter or in low humidity regions, watering should be reduced to once a week.
Fertilization
Feeding Nesaea radicans is necessary to encourage growth and keep it healthy. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 1:1:1. A good quality liquid fertilizer can be applied every 2-3 weeks during the growing season or based on the instruction given on the label. Avoid over-fertilizing as it may cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep Nesaea radicans in good shape and encourages the growth of new shoots. A pair of scissors or pruning shears can be used to cut back the plant's long stems or branches. Trim the dead or yellowing leaves to help limit the spread of diseases.
Pruning can be done any time of year, but the best time is during the growing season. The Nesaea radicans is a fast-growing plant and requires frequent pruning to keep it from becoming too bushy. With a little bit of care and attention, Nesaea radicans can produce many prolific blooms.
Propagation of Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern.
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. floribunda (Sond.) A.Fern. can be propagated by various methods including seed, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation through seeds is an effective method and can be done indoors in trays or outdoors in the ground. For indoor propagation, fill a tray with soil and keep the seeds 2-3 cm apart. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Once the seedlings reach around 5 cm in height, they can be transferred to a bigger pot or transplanted directly into the ground.
If directly sowing outdoors, prepare the soil by loosening it and adding organic matter. Sow the seeds around 1 cm deep and keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings have grown to around 5 cm, they can be thinned out, leaving sufficient space between them.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a simple process but requires some experience and expertise. Using a clean, sharp knife, make a diagonal cut of around 6 cm in length on a healthy stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem and insert the cutting into a pot filled with moist soil. Ensure the soil is well-drained and place the pot in a warm, bright spot. Keep the soil moist, and the cutting should take root within a few weeks.
Propagation by Division
Propagation through division involves separating the main plant into smaller parts, each with their own root system. Carefully dig the plant out of the ground and loosen the soil around the roots. Shake off any loose soil and gently pull the plant apart into smaller sections with their own roots. Replant each section into fresh soil immediately, and water them well.
Disease Management
Nesaea radicans var. floribunda is susceptible to various diseases such as leaf spots, stem rot, and damping-off. The following are some ways to manage diseases in this plant:
- Sanitation: Remove and discard diseased plant parts, leaves, and debris surrounding the plants.
- Fungicides: Apply a fungicide to protect the plant from fungal infections.
- Cultural methods: Water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage and prevent fungal infections.
Pest Management
Nesaea radicans var. floribunda may also be attacked by a few pests, including aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars. Here are some ways to manage pests:
- Natural predators: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control pest populations.
- Handpicking: Pick off and destroy the pests, eggs, and larvae by hand to control an infestation.
- Insecticidal soap: Apply insecticidal soap to the affected plant parts to control pests.
