In nature, this plant can be found in shallow streams and small rivers in Mexico and the southern United States. The name Mexican Oak Leaf is dictated by the special configuration of the leaves, which bears a resemblance to oak. Trichocoronis rivularis is still rare in the collections of those who like to breed plants for aquariums. The Mexican oak Leaf is an aquarium plant, the selection and breeding of decorative forms of which are engaged in specialized nurseries in Asian countries.
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Mexican Oak Leaf Aquarium Plant Structure and Charateristics
The aquarium forms of Trihocoronis varietal are the result of selection. When grown in an aquarium, the height of adult plants can reach up to 20 cm. The stem of Trichocoronis is straight, oval leaves without petioles with a winding edge, are arranged in pairs opposite each other.
The size of the leaf plate is due to its location on the stem: the closer to the surface of the water, the larger the leaves.
The lower leaves, located at the very root, 10 by 15 mm in size, are several times smaller in comparison with the leaves of the apical part of the plant, reaching 5 cm in length and 3.5 cm in width.
Mexican oak in the aquarium environment.
The shade of the leaves of Trichocoronis can change along with the level of illumination brightness:
- at normal have a bright light green color;
- when strong, they acquire a reddish tint.
Light streaks stand out against the background of the main color. Comfortable living conditions have a positive effect on the growth rate of the Mexican oak, allowing it to bring its top closer to the surface of the water and bloom.
He releases a flower arrow above the water surface a shoot on which an inflorescence is formed. Trichocoronis buds, which are white and in the shape of aster or dandelion, are located above the water.
Mexican Oak Leaf Care in aquarium
When breeding in an aquarium, the plant is unpretentious. It tolerates well-being in the shade of other aquarium inhabitants, it can also grow in open spaces.
Trichocoronis grows relatively quickly, tending to the surface of the water. When it is reached, the chance for flowering increases significantly. To prevent leaves from leaving the aquatic environment, cover the aquarium with a lid and trim the tops.
WATER PARAMETERS
Mexican oak prefers neutral water with a pH of 7.5-8.
It is recommended to maintain the water temperature within the range of + 20… + 28 ° C. The wide temperature range allows it to exist both in tropical aquariums and in cold water tanks.
Water hardness is high – from 8 to 20 ° J.
A regular supply of CO2 (6-14 mg / l) has a positive effect on the development of the plant.
CORRECT SOIL
Good rooting of Trichocoronis will provide a fine-grained soil consisting of pebbles with the addition of river sand. The substrate must contain a full range of minerals. The recommended layer depth is at least 3 cm.
HOW TO PLANT A PLANT
Planting a Mexican oak plant in an aquarium.
The background of the aquarium landscape is best suited for the placement of this plant. It is planted singly or in groups at a distance of 5-10 cm from each other for the full development of the bush. When planting, a piece of peat or clay should be placed under the roots of the seedling. When placing fertilizers in a group, more should be applied to the soil.
At the same time, it is possible to allow the Hispanic guest to grow and develop by floating freely on the surface of the water. Such specimens will be smaller than rooted ones.
PRUNING AND FERTILIZING
Complex liquid fertilizers are dissolved in the aquarium or applied directly to the soil, under the root system of the plant.
If, after observing all the recommended conditions, the leaves of Trichocoronis began to fade, iron-containing elements should be added to the individual feeding.
The rapid growth of the Mexican oak requires regular pruning to form a bush or cuttings.
LIGHTING
It is recommended to maintain lighting within the range of 0.6-0.7 W / l, the required duration of daylight hours is at least 12 hours.
Trichocoronis is not too picky about lighting, the shadow of neighboring plants does not prevent it from developing normally. But the full potential of its decorative qualities manifests itself in bright light, especially in the variegated varieties, showing marble coloration and contrasting veins.
Mexican Oak Leaf PLANT PROPAGATION
Trichocoronis propagates by cuttings or lateral shoots, that is, in a vegetative way. Both cut tops of plants and cuttings obtained from lateral shoots emerging from leaf buds are used as planting material.
Some aquarium plant lovers do not recommend throwing away the green shoots that break when replanting fish or cleaning the aquarium but rooting them. Vegetative propagation is effective because the rooting of cuttings is fast. With a sufficient growth rate, each stalk soon turns into an elegant green bush.
