Woodsy
30th November 2008, 06:07 PM
Hey guys, I just thought I'd share a few observations I've made over the last year or so, on the beautiful H.zosterifolia.
You can find this plant in most local stores with a decent range of plants, and it's commonly referred to as Star Grass, or Indian Star. The apex of this plant has a wonderful star habit (hence the name), which is a vivid lime-green colour which, in mass plantings, often resembles the new growth one would see on pine or spruce trees. For this reason (I believe) it is used primarily as a mid-ground plant, where it can under intense light, cascade over wood and rock. For those planning to use this plant in a "Nature Aquarium" design, H.zosterfolia can be a great representation of junipers or stunted pines clinging to rock faces. Indeed, the reason I fell in love with this plant was from seeing its diversity of application in the Nature Aquarium.
On to the observations. H.zosterfolia can be grown quite well under both T5 and T8 lighting, however, the habit of the plant seems to (unsurprisingly) change with the degree of light used. Under T5's, the lower leaves of the plant with take on a deep purple to black colour, often misleading the observer into thinking they are dead. But on closer inspection, one can see that these leaves are actually quite healthy and really quite stunning. For those using the plant in a more Dutch-style application, this can lend well to creating shadow and depth with the bright green canopy and dark understory. Under T5's I would consider this a high-maintenance plant, as it grows very fast and requires some skill to keep it looking good.
Growth under T8's will give the aquarist different results (at least, in my experience). Leaves tend to be much longer, and remain green all the way down the stem. It will still grow fast though, and may require regular pruning especially if one wishes to encourage a cascading habit.
One thing I have noticed in both cases, is that the plant will not tollerate high levels of organic carbon in the water column. CO2 injection does not appear to have a detrimental effect, but the excessive use of products such as Flourish Excel (Seachem) will bring on a similar phenomenon to "crypt melt", with very little chance of recovery.
All together, a woderful, easy-to-grow plant for almost any planted aquarium. With a bit of imagination the aquarist can obtain some magnificent effects, which always feels rewarding. I'd recommend you all give it a try!
You can find this plant in most local stores with a decent range of plants, and it's commonly referred to as Star Grass, or Indian Star. The apex of this plant has a wonderful star habit (hence the name), which is a vivid lime-green colour which, in mass plantings, often resembles the new growth one would see on pine or spruce trees. For this reason (I believe) it is used primarily as a mid-ground plant, where it can under intense light, cascade over wood and rock. For those planning to use this plant in a "Nature Aquarium" design, H.zosterfolia can be a great representation of junipers or stunted pines clinging to rock faces. Indeed, the reason I fell in love with this plant was from seeing its diversity of application in the Nature Aquarium.
On to the observations. H.zosterfolia can be grown quite well under both T5 and T8 lighting, however, the habit of the plant seems to (unsurprisingly) change with the degree of light used. Under T5's, the lower leaves of the plant with take on a deep purple to black colour, often misleading the observer into thinking they are dead. But on closer inspection, one can see that these leaves are actually quite healthy and really quite stunning. For those using the plant in a more Dutch-style application, this can lend well to creating shadow and depth with the bright green canopy and dark understory. Under T5's I would consider this a high-maintenance plant, as it grows very fast and requires some skill to keep it looking good.
Growth under T8's will give the aquarist different results (at least, in my experience). Leaves tend to be much longer, and remain green all the way down the stem. It will still grow fast though, and may require regular pruning especially if one wishes to encourage a cascading habit.
One thing I have noticed in both cases, is that the plant will not tollerate high levels of organic carbon in the water column. CO2 injection does not appear to have a detrimental effect, but the excessive use of products such as Flourish Excel (Seachem) will bring on a similar phenomenon to "crypt melt", with very little chance of recovery.
All together, a woderful, easy-to-grow plant for almost any planted aquarium. With a bit of imagination the aquarist can obtain some magnificent effects, which always feels rewarding. I'd recommend you all give it a try!