Origin and Common Names
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt, commonly known as round watermeal or small duckweed, is a tiny aquatic plant that belongs to the duckweed family Araceae. It is distributed across various regions worldwide, including Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The plant was first described by R. Landolt in 1980 and has been widely used in various applications since then.
Appearance
Wolffiella rotunda is one of the smallest flowering plants in the world, measuring only 0.5-1.5mm in diameter. The plant is oval-shaped, with green or yellowish-green flattened thalli that float on the surface of fresh, still, and slow-moving waters such as ponds, ditches, and lakes. The plant's thalli are arranged in clusters or chains of 2-12 individuals, forming dense mats that cover large water surfaces. Each thallus has a single root that hangs below the water surface and absorbs nutrients and minerals from the water.
Uses
Wolffiella rotunda is used for various purposes, including research, food, and wastewater treatment. The plant's small size and rapid growth make it a suitable model organism for studying plant physiology, genetics, and developmental biology. Additionally, the plant is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals and is consumed as a nutritious food source by humans and animals. Wolffiella rotunda has also been used in recent years in treating wastewater and industrial effluents due to its high absorption capacity and ability to remove pollutants such as heavy metals and organic compounds from water sources.
Light Requirements
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt requires a moderate amount of light for optimum growth. It thrives well in an environment with indirect sunlight for at least 8 hours each day. If grown in direct sunlight, its leaves tend to dry out and turn brown. Therefore, it is best to provide an area with filtered sunlight or with partial shade for Wolffiella rotunda to flourish.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of Wolffiella rotunda Landolt ranges from 20°C to 25°C. Atop the allowable range, the plant may exhibit stunted growth, while low-temperature conditions can inhibit its photosynthesis. If grown in a temperature-controlled environment, it's essential to note that sudden changes in temperature can stunt the growth and prevent the development of flower buds and seeds.
Soil Requirements
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt can grow in different types of soil, including clay, loamy, or sandy soils. However, it thrives best in a rich, well-aerated, and well-drained aquatic substrate. Therefore, it is best to cultivate the plant in shallow pools with a depth of 10 to 15 cm to allow sufficient access to nutrients and adequate drainage. The substrate should provide a neutral to acidic condition, with a pH range of 5.5-7.5, and the nitrogen and phosphorous levels should be maintained at a concentration of 2.75-3.25 mg/liter and 0.9-1.2 mg/liter, respectively.
Cultivation Methods:
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt, also known as Watermeal, is a free-floating aquatic plant that can be cultivated in a small pond or aquarium. It prefers still or slow-flowing water with a neutral pH. The plant can survive in various light conditions, but it thrives in bright sunlight. However, direct sunlight can cause it to overheat and die.
Watering Needs:
As an aquatic plant, Wolffiella rotunda Landolt does not require watering. However, it needs access to clean water to survive and grow well. It is essential to replace the pond or aquarium water regularly to maintain the ideal water conditions.
Fertilization:
Watermeal generally does not require extra nutrients, as it can extract enough nutrients from the water. However, a nutrient-poor environment can slow down its growth. If necessary, you can add liquid or granular aquatic plant fertilizer to the water.
Pruning:
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt does not require pruning, as it is a small and simple plant. However, you may need to remove some of the plant if it becomes too abundant or interferes with other aquatic plants in your pond or aquarium. You can use a net or skimmer to remove any excess plant material.
Propagation of Wolffiella Rotunda Landolt
Wolffiella Rotunda Landolt can be propagated with runners or through division of its vegetative parts.
Propagation through runners
The easiest and most natural method for the propagation of Wolffiella Rotunda is through the use of runners. These runners are modified stems that, when they come in contact with the substrate, can form new plants. The new plants are genetically identical to the mother plant, and the process is relatively fast. The runners can be cut and planted separately when they have reached about 5 cm in length. The cutting can be planted directly or kept in a container with water or nutrient solution until it roots.
Propagation through division
Another propagation method for Wolffiella Rotunda is through division. This method involves separating the daughter plants from the mother plant with a sharp blade, gently washing them to remove any debris and planting them in substrate or water.
The best time to divide the plant is during the growing season when the mother plant has produced several daughter plants. When dividing, ensure that each daughter plant has at least one healthy root and some leaves. Plant each individual in containers or ponds with nutrient-rich water to speed up the growth process.
Maintaining high water quality, adequate lighting, and nutrients is essential for ensuring the successful propagation of Wolffiella Rotunda. With the right care, these plants can thrive and can continuously produce new runners or daughter plants.
Disease and Pest Management for Wolffiella Rotunda Landolt
Wolffiella rotunda Landolt is generally a hardy plant with few disease and pest problems. However, certain conditions can create opportunities for diseases and pests to infect or infest the plant. Effective disease and pest management can help preserve the plant's health and beauty.
Common Diseases
The most common diseases affecting Wolffiella rotunda Landolt are fungal infections such as leaf spot, root rot, and gray mold. These diseases can cause foliage to wilt, turn brown, and eventually die. In severe cases, the disease can spread and result in plant death. To manage these diseases, it is essential to follow proper watering practices to avoid overly moist conditions, remove infected foliage, and apply fungicides as needed.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Wolffiella rotunda Landolt are aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and sap, causing damage and distortion of the foliage. They can also spread diseases from plant to plant. To manage these pests, it is essential to maintain good plant hygiene by removing yellowing or damaged foliage. Treatments such as insecticidal soaps, neem oil, or other organic oils can help manage pest populations.
Preventive Measures
Preventive measures can help maintain plant health and reduce the risk of diseases and pests. These measures include maintaining proper watering practices, providing sufficient light and nutrients, and periodically inspecting plants for signs of diseases or pests.
Additionally, quarantine new plants before introducing them into established plant groupings to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Proper sterilization of tools and containers can also help prevent the spread of disease-causing organisms.
Finally, it is always best to choose healthy plants from reputable suppliers to reduce the risk of introducing diseases or pests into your collection.
