Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' - ADA TC

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' – ADA Tissue Culture

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' is a unique and stunning aquarium plant prized for its elegant, broad leaves with a striking silver-green hue. Known for its hardy nature and adaptability, this plant is perfect for creating a dramatic centerpiece in the midground or background of an aquascape. With its silver-toned foliage and compact growth, it adds texture and depth to any planted tank. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, this plant comes free of pests, algae, and pathogens, ensuring it is healthy and ready for immediate planting in your aquarium.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' prefers low to medium lighting. It thrives in moderate lighting setups where it can show its best silvery coloration. In lower light conditions, the plant may grow more slowly and develop darker green leaves but will remain healthy.

• CO2: CO2 is not essential for Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen', though its growth and overall health will improve with CO2 injection. Without CO2, it will still do well in low-tech setups, making it suitable for a range of aquariums.

• Substrate: Like other Lagenandra species, 'Silver Queen' is a heavy root feeder and benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate such as ADA Aqua Soil. If using an inert substrate, add root tabs to provide essential nutrients.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72°F – 82°F (22°C – 28°C)
  • pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 2 – 15 dGH (soft to moderately hard water)

Tissue Culture Preparation and Planting:

1. Opening the Tissue Culture Container:

   • Carefully open the ADA Tissue Culture container. These plants are grown in a sterile, nutrient-rich gel that keeps them healthy and free from pests and contaminants during transport.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Remove the plant from the container and rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water to get rid of all the gel. It's crucial to clean off all the gel as it can impact water quality if introduced to the aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • Tissue cultures often contain multiple plantlets. Gently divide the plant into smaller sections or individual plantlets, which you can plant throughout your tank.

4. Planting:

   • Use aquascaping tweezers to carefully plant the roots into your substrate. Ensure the roots are buried but keep the base of the plant (the crown) above the substrate to prevent rot.
   • Placement: Best placed in the midground or background, Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' makes a dramatic statement with its broad, silver-green leaves. It will need some space to spread out, so allow room between plantlets.

5. Spacing: Be sure to space out the plantlets adequately to allow for healthy growth as they spread and establish in your tank.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: The plant has a moderate growth rate, particularly in medium-light conditions. In low-light setups, growth may be slower, but it will remain healthy as long as nutrients are available.

• Trimming: Regular trimming is not typically necessary, as Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' is a slow-growing plant. You may want to prune older or damaged leaves to keep the plant looking fresh and healthy.

• Fertilization: Since this plant is a heavy root feeder, it will benefit from regular fertilization through the substrate. Using a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs will help ensure the plant has access to essential nutrients. Liquid fertilizers can be used to provide additional micronutrients, especially iron, which helps maintain leaf color.

Special Considerations:

• Hardiness: Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making it suitable for both beginner and experienced aquarists.

• Initial Melting: Like other Lagenandra and Cryptocoryne species, 'Silver Queen' may experience initial melting of leaves when first introduced to a new environment. This is a normal process, and the plant will recover with new growth once it has adjusted to its surroundings.

• Coloration: Its silver-green foliage will become more pronounced under moderate lighting. In low-light tanks, the leaves may take on a slightly darker green hue, but the plant will still grow well.

• Propagating: Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' propagates through side shoots or runners. You can separate and replant these once they have developed roots.

• Midground or Background Plant: This plant is ideal for midground or background placement due to its size and striking appearance. It works well in both larger aquascapes and smaller planted tanks that need a focal point plant.

Challenges:

• Slow Growth in Low Light: The plant will grow more slowly in low-light conditions. However, with the right nutrients, it will remain healthy even if it takes longer to reach its full potential.

• Initial Acclimation: As with other Lagenandra species, 'Silver Queen' may take some time to acclimate to new conditions. Be patient during this period, and the plant will eventually thrive.

Summary:

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Silver Queen' is a fantastic plant for aquascapers looking to add a unique and striking feature to their tanks. Its broad, silver-green leaves add texture and contrast to any layout, and it is adaptable to various conditions. Whether in a low-tech or high-tech tank, this plant will bring elegance and interest to your aquascape. Packaged in ADA Tissue Culture, it ensures a pest-free, algae-free, and healthy start in your aquarium.

Tissue Culture Quick Tips:

• Rinse thoroughly to remove the gel.
• Divide the plant into smaller sections for planting.
• Plant in nutrient-rich substrate or supplement with root tabs.
• Provide moderate light and stable water conditions for optimal growth.