Overview
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs is a small aquatic plant that belongs to the Ricciaceae family. It is commonly known as the floating crystalwort and is native to North America.
General Appearance
Riccia tenella has an incredibly unique appearance. It appears as a mass of pale green to yellow-green filaments that take on a fluffy texture. Its stems are about 1-2mm in diameter, and the fronds are 2 to 5 mm tall. Its texture is velvety, with tips that can sometimes appear slightly curled.
Uses
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs has found its uses in the aquarium hobby. Due to its unique and delicate appearance, it is considered highly desirable as an aquarium plant. It is known to anchor down mosses and other aquatic plants, making the aquarium look lush and beautiful.
The floating crystalwort is also used in water gardens as a desert plant. This is due to its ability to stay moss-like even under conditions with little to no moisture. It creates an interesting contrast between the aquatic plants and emersed plants.
Cultivation
Riccia tenella prefers moderate lighting and will grow well in soft or hard water. In an aquarium setting, it can be attached to a substrate or left free-floating to anchor other plants to its stem. It is best planted in temperatures between 64° to 82°F and a pH range of 5.5 to 8.0.
Riccia tenella can be propagated by snipping off a small piece and attaching it to a suitable surface. It can also be grown in vitro, making it an easy plant to cultivate and establish in any water garden or aquarium setting.
Light Requirements
Riccia tenella requires moderate to high light for optimal growth. It can tolerate low light conditions but may grow more slowly or become spindly and weak. Placing the plant in areas exposed to bright, indirect light or providing it with artificial lighting for 8 to 10 hours daily is recommended.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures ranging between 20 to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 15°C but may not grow as fast. High temperatures above 30°C may cause the plant to show signs of stress and slow down its growth. As such, it is essential to maintain a consistent temperature range for optimal growth.
Water Requirements
Riccia tenella thrives in damp, wet conditions, as it is a submersed aquatic plant. It requires regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out. The plant should always be kept moist, but care should be taken not to overwater it, as this increases the risk of root rot. Sufficient drainage is necessary to ensure the soil does not get waterlogged.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers nutrient-rich, porous substrates. Riccia tenella can grow in a variety of soils, including loamy or clay soils with high organic matter content. A well-draining soil mix is recommended to avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The pH range should be slightly acidic to neutral, preferably between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation Methods
The Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs plant is a relatively easy plant to grow and maintain. It is a floating plant that can be anchored to rocks or driftwood with fishing line or cotton thread. The plant can also be allowed to grow freely in the aquarium, providing cover for fish and shrimp.
It is important to note that Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs requires high light intensity and CO2 for healthy growth. When planting, the plant should be placed in areas with direct exposure to light to facilitate photosynthesis.
Watering Needs
The Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs plant is a hardy plant that can tolerate a broad range of water parameters, including pH and hardness. However, consistent monitoring of water conditions is still necessary to ensure the plant thrives.
It is recommended to keep the water temperature range between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, regular water changes encourage healthy growth and maintain cleanliness in the aquarium.
Fertilization
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs plants require regular fertilization for optimal growth. Providing Liquid fertilizers can ensure the plants have access to the necessary nutrients for continuous growth.
Carbon and micronutrients are vital for the plant's healthy growth in an aquarium. Fertilizer regiments must trickle regularly as many elements that are necessary for the plant's reserve needs time to disperse.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for maintaining the desired shape of the plant. Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs has rapid growth, so it is essential to monitor the plant's growth and trim as needed.
The dead or dying plant particles should be removed regularly to prevent their decomposition from affecting the rest of the plant. When pruning, avoid cutting off too much or too little to maintain the plant's overall health. Trimming promotes the plant's growth, and it also influences the increase of the Ramshorn and trumpet snails population.
Propagation of Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation of Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs involves the use of spores. Sporophytes produce spores which can be collected and placed in a container with water. The spores will then germinate and develop into gametophytes. The gametophytes can then be transplanted to a suitable growing medium.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs can be done through fragmentation. The plant can be carefully divided into smaller sections, making sure each section has a sufficient number of leaves and roots. These sections can then be transplanted into a suitable growing medium. Another method of asexual propagation is through gemmae. Gemmae are small, flattened, multicellular structures that develop in gemma cups on the surface of the vegetative thallus. The gemmae can be harvested and placed in a container with water. The gemmae will then germinate and develop into a new plant.
Disease Management
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs is susceptible to various diseases that can affect its growth and development. Some of the common diseases that may affect the plant include pythium root rot, damping-off, and stem canker.
Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that can cause the plant's roots to rot. To manage pythium root rot, it is essential to provide adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging. Additionally, the use of fungicides can help manage the disease.
Damping-off is a fungal disease that affects the plant's germinating seedlings. It can cause the seedlings to rot and ultimately die. To manage damping-off, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene by ensuring that the growing media and containers are sterilized before planting the seedlings. Additionally, the use of fungicides can help manage the disease.
Stem canker is a bacterial disease that causes lesions on the plant's stem. The lesions can girdle the stem, causing the plant to wilt and die. To manage stem canker, it is essential to ensure that the growing media and containers are sterilized before planting. Additionally, the use of copper-based fungicides can help manage the disease.
Pest Management
Riccia tenella D. L. Jacobs is susceptible to various pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites, thrips, and aphids.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves. To manage spider mites, it is essential to maintain high humidity levels as spider mites thrive in dry conditions. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap and neem oil can help manage the pest.
Thrips are tiny insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers, causing them to become deformed. To manage thrips, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene by ensuring that the growing media and containers are sterilized before planting. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap can help manage the pest.
Aphids are small insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to become curled and distorted. To manage aphids, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene by ensuring that the growing media and containers are sterilized before planting. Additionally, the use of insecticidal soap and neem oil can help manage the pest.
