Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ – ADA Tissue Culture

Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant green, broad, and paddle-shaped leaves that add lush, bold foliage to any aquascape. This plant is a great choice for aquarists looking for something unique, as it’s less common in the hobby compared to other popular species. With its robust appearance and large leaves, it can serve as a centerpiece in midground or background aquascapes. ADA Tissue Culture packaging ensures the plant is free from pests, algae, and contaminants, providing you with a healthy, clean plant ready to thrive in your tank.

Detailed Care Guide:

Tank Requirements:

• Lighting: Low to medium lighting is sufficient for Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’. It can grow well in shaded areas, making it a great option for low-light aquariums, but it will develop its best colors under moderate lighting.

• CO2: CO2 injection is not necessary for this plant to thrive, but it will enhance growth, increase size, and intensify leaf coloration. In low-tech setups without CO2, it will still grow, albeit more slowly.

• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is highly recommended. Lagenandra species are heavy root feeders, meaning they benefit from a substrate like ADA Aqua Soil or root tabs in inert substrates such as sand or gravel to ensure they receive ample 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:

   • Open the ADA Tissue Culture container carefully. The plant is grown in a nutrient-rich gel designed to keep it healthy during transport.

2. Rinsing the Plant:

   • Take the Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ out of the container and rinse thoroughly under lukewarm water to remove all traces of the nutrient gel. Be sure to rinse well, as leftover gel can cause water quality issues in your aquarium.

3. Dividing the Plant:

   • Gently divide the plant into smaller sections or individual plantlets. Tissue cultures often contain several small plants, giving you the flexibility to spread them throughout your tank.

4. Planting:

   • Placement: This plant works best as a midground to background species due to its large size and attractive foliage. Use aquascaping tweezers to gently plant the roots into the substrate, ensuring the base (crown) of the plant is not buried too deeply, which can lead to rot.

5. Spacing: Give each plantlet adequate space to grow. This plant can develop larger leaves over time, so leave enough room between plantlets to avoid overcrowding.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Growth Rate: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ has a slow to moderate growth rate, especially in low-tech setups. With CO2 and regular nutrient supplementation, growth can be accelerated.

• Trimming: Routine maintenance is minimal. Trim off any damaged or older leaves to keep the plant looking healthy and vibrant. This plant doesn’t require frequent trimming and is suitable for low-maintenance aquascapes.

• Fertilization: Since this plant is a root feeder, it benefits greatly from a nutrient-rich substrate or the regular use of root tabs. Additionally, liquid fertilizers containing macronutrients and micronutrients (especially iron) will keep the leaves vibrant.

Special Considerations:

• Hardiness: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of water conditions, making it a great plant for beginners and experienced aquarists alike.

• Melt Risk: Like many root-feeding plants, it may experience some initial melting when introduced to a new tank or when faced with significant changes in water parameters. This is normal, and new growth will typically appear after the plant has acclimated to its environment.

• Low Light Compatibility: This plant is well-suited to low-light aquariums, where it can still thrive and grow slowly, making it an excellent choice for shaded areas or as part of a low-tech setup.

• Background or Midground Use: Due to its larger leaf size and bold appearance, this plant works wonderfully as a midground or background feature. Its lush green leaves provide a strong contrast against smaller foreground plants.

• Propagation: Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ propagates through side shoots or offsets, which can be separated and replanted once they have established roots.

Challenges:

• Slow Growth: While this plant is hardy, it grows slowly, especially in low-light and low-tech setups, so patience is required to see significant development.

• Initial Acclimation Period: As with most Cryptocoryne-like species, there may be an initial adjustment phase where the plant melts or loses leaves. It will recover with stable water parameters.

Summary:

Lagenandra meeboldii ‘Green’ is a unique and attractive plant with broad, paddle-shaped leaves that offer a bold, eye-catching look in any aquascape. Its hardy nature makes it ideal for low-tech setups, though it will grow faster and show enhanced coloration in a higher-tech setup with CO2 and fertilization. Packaged in a clean, pest-free ADA Tissue Culture, this plant arrives ready to be prepared and planted for immediate use in your aquarium. With patience and care, it will become a long-lasting, impressive feature in your tank.

Tissue Culture Quick Tips:

• Rinse thoroughly to remove the gel.
• Divide plantlets before planting.
• Use nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs.
• Be patient with slow growth and potential initial melt.