Hydrocharis

Today, the genus Hydrocharis is represented by only two species, although others were previously assigned to it, which were later isolated into the genus Limnobium (Limnobium). Hydrocharis morsus-ranae is the only species that has a certain decorative use, it is recommended for pools with soft water. It is so easy to reproduce the plant that it does not need to take special actions, it easily captures the surrounding space. This species is similar to a pitcher, but is much smaller in size. Kidney-shaped or heart-shaped leaves with a diameter of only 5 cm are collected in floating rosettes. The petiole is long, the color of the underside of the leaf plates is reddish. In summer, white flowers form in the center of leaf rosettes from three petals and three sepals up to 2 cm in diameter, each flower on its own peduncle protruding above water. The plant is dioecious. Hydrocharis nymphoides is a species with similar characteristics, as described above. But the leaves are slightly smaller, oval, and the flowers are yellow.

Today, the genus Hydrocharis is represented by only two species, although others were previously assigned to it, which were later isolated into the genus Limnobium (Limnobium).

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae is the only species that has a certain decorative use, it is recommended for pools with soft water. It is so easy to reproduce the plant that it does not need to take special actions, it easily captures the surrounding space. This species is similar to a pitcher, but is much smaller in size. Kidney-shaped or heart-shaped leaves with a diameter of only 5 cm are collected in floating rosettes. The petiole is long, the color of the underside of the leaf plates is reddish. In summer, white flowers form in the center of leaf rosettes from three petals and three sepals up to 2 cm in diameter, each flower on its own peduncle protruding above water. The plant is dioecious.

Hydrocharis nymphoides is a species with similar characteristics, as described above. But the leaves are slightly smaller, oval, and the flowers are yellow.

Cultivation

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae is grown only and exclusively in the aquatic environment: in pools, lakes, ponds. Used to design shallow reservoirs and aquariums. The plant has no special requirements for the composition of the soil of the bottom.

Location

Plants of the genus Hydrocharis prefer a place in the open sun.

Temperature

These plants are successfully grown in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

Reproduction

These species have autumn buds rooted on the bottom; in spring, young sockets form and develop from them. So reproduction is simple: it is enough in spring or summer to take one or more leaf rosettes of plants and place on the mirror of the reservoir in which you intend to grow them.

Diseases

Aphids affect peduncles and flowers. For pest control, it is not recommended to use insecticides that can contaminate the reservoir. Insects should be washed off with a strong water jet.

Acquisition

Contact companies that specialize in growing aquatic plants. Choose specimens with healthy leaves, make sure that they do not have insect pests. Plants reproduce very easily, so you can buy only a few specimens.