General Information:
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans is an aquatic plant species that belongs to the family Lythraceae. It is commonly known as Nesaea.
Origin:
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans is native to various countries in Africa such as Madagascar, Nigeria, and Congo. It grows in marshes, swamps, and in the shallow water along the shores of lakes and rivers.
Common Names:
Aside from Nesaea, this plant is also commonly known as Needle-leaf nesaea, Red star, and Firecracker plant.
Appearance:
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans can grow up to 50-80cm in height. It has thin, needle-shaped leaves with a reddish color that grows in an alternating pattern along the stem. The flowers are small and bright red, with five petals, and grow on a spike at the end of the stem. The fruits are small, ovoid-shaped capsules. When in an aquarium, its stem has a purplish-pink hue, making it a preferred aquarium plant.
Uses:
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans is commonly used as an aquarium plant because of its beauty. It is also used in traditional medicine in some African countries as a treatment for various ailments such as fever, dysentery, and diarrhea. Nesaea has been observed to have therapeutic properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
The Nesaea radicans var. radicans prefers bright light conditions, which simulate the natural sunlight conditions found in its habitat. Insufficient light can lead to reduced growth, and the plant may fail to thrive altogether. During the winter, it is essential to provide supplementary lighting since the plant requires long days to maintain healthy growth.
Temperature Requirements
The Nesaea radicans var. radicans prefers moderate to warm temperatures that range between 68°F to 82°F. The plant cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations or extreme temperatures, as either condition can cause minimal growth. High-temperature fluctuations can also lead to stress and encourage the development of diseases, leading to plant death.
Soil Requirements
The Nesaea radicans var. radicans grows well in fertile, well-drained aquatic soils rich in organic matter. The plant is adaptable and can grow in various soil types, including sandy and clay loams. When planting, it is recommended to add a layer of nutrient-rich substrate to the bottom of the aquarium to provide the plant with adequate nutrients. The Nesaea radicans var. radicans is sensitive to water hardness and prefers a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans, commonly referred to as the floating heart, is relatively easy to cultivate. The plant requires a tropical climate, with temperatures maintained at 22-28°C (72-82°F). Choose a location with ample light, preferably somewhere with direct sunlight. It tends to grow faster in harder water with moderately acidic to alkaline pH levels, but it can also thrive in softer water conditions. Additionally, Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans has a moderately high tolerance for water hardness and alkalinity.
Watering Needs
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans is a water-loving plant. It requires constant access to water to survive. The plant tends to grow faster in high water flow or full sun conditions. As such, it is advisable to add more water to the planting pot when watering the plant. Keep in mind that stagnant water can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential for Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans to flourish. A lack of nutrients leads to slower growth and can make the plant more prone to disease. Fertilize once a week with a liquid or slow-release fertilizer specifically formulated for aquatic plants. This will help provide the necessary nutrients to ensure the plant thrives.
Pruning
It is important to prune Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too dense. Prune the plant by cutting the stems about half an inch above the leaves. When planting Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans, consider giving it sufficient space to allow for proper growth and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans
Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and division.
Seed Propagation
Seeds can be collected from the matured fruit capsules of the plant. The collected seeds should be sown immediately or kept in a cool and dry place until sowing. The seeds should be sown in a mixture of soil and sand in a tray or container. The container should be covered with a plastic sheet to maintain the required moisture levels. The seedlings will start to emerge in about two weeks, and once they have developed two to three leaves, they can be transplanted into pots.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cuttings can be taken from the parent plant, and the cuttings should be around 6-8 inches long. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be inserted into a mixture of soil and sand, and the container should be covered with a plastic sheet to maintain the required moisture levels. The cuttings should be kept in a shady area until roots are developed, and once the roots are developed, they can be moved into individual pots.
Division Propagation
The root system of Nesaea radicans Guill. & Perr. var. radicans grows extensively, and the plant can propagate through root division. The plant can be divided into multiple sections with the help of a sharp knife. Each section should have roots and viable shoots, which can be potted immediately. The container should be covered with a plastic sheet to maintain the necessary moisture levels until the plant is established.
Disease and Pest management for Nesaea radicans var. radicans
Nesaea radicans var. radicans is generally a healthy and disease-resistant plant. However, there are some diseases and pests that can affect the growth and health of the plant. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Nesaea radicans var. radicans and how to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a common disease that affects Nesaea radicans var. radicans. The symptoms include water-soaked lesions on leaves that turn brown and circular. The bacterial leaf spot is usually caused by Xanthomonas campestris. Bacterial leaf spot can be treated with copper fungicides and by removing overly infected leaves.
Black Spot: Black spot is caused by a fungal pathogen that creates black spots on the leaves of Nesaea radicans var. radicans. To manage black spot, remove infected leaves and apply fungicides. Encouraging air circulation around the plant by spacing them properly and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent black spot.
Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that occurs as powdery yellow or orange spots on the leaves of Nesaea radicans var. radicans. To manage rust, remove infected leaves, apply fungicide and maintain proper soil drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids can be found clustered on new plant tips and young leaves of Nesaea radicans var. radicans. To control aphids, apply insecticidal soap, neem oil or horticultural oil. Regularly inspect the plants and remove any heavily infested ones to prevent spread.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies can be found on the undersides of leaves of Nesaea radicans var. radicans, sucking sap and causing yellowing and premature leaf drop. To control whiteflies, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. Yellow sticky traps can also be used to trap the adult whiteflies.
Spider mites: Spider mites can be found on the underside of leaves of Nesaea radicans var. radicans, sucking plant sap and causing leaf discoloration, stippling, and wilting. Increase humidity levels around the plant and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control spider mites. Regularly inspect and remove any heavily infested leaves to prevent spread.
To maintain the health of Nesaea radicans var. radicans, observe and monitor your plants regularly. Prompt action on the early signs of disease and pest infestations can be effective in controlling them and preventing further damage to your plant.
