Translations:Echinodorus Alfa/4/en

Echinodorus Alpha is a product obtained as a result of breeding work of domestic breeder Panyukov. The result is quite a beautiful plant, which, among other things, is undemanding to the conditions of cultivation and can grow even novice aquarists. Some aquarists compare this plant with Echinodorus Ocelot, but this comparison is not quite correct - you just need to put these two plants side by side and you will see their significant differences. Echinodorus Alpha has a short stem. The leaves are lanceolate, the upper part of the leaf plate is pointed. All leaves are collected in a rosette. Young leaves start to grow from the middle of the rosette, their color is red with darker spots. Older leaves turn green and the spots become less distinct. In general, the color of the bush depends very much on the intensity of lighting. The rhizome is vigorous, creeping. For the maintenance of Echinodorus Alpha is suitable medium or large aquarium, where it is desirable to plant it in the middle part in the background or middle ground. Over time, the plant will grow and become almost the central plant in the aquarium. The desired lighting is bright, with an intensity of 0.6-0.8 W / l. Although the plant can grow normally in less bright light, but in bright light its color becomes more contrasting and attractive. The duration of daylight hours is 10-12 hours per day. The plant can grow quite long in low light conditions, while the color of its leaves fades. Water parameters should be as follows: temperature 20-28 ° C, hardness dH 4-20 ° C, acidity pH 5.5-7.0. Do you need filtration and weekly change? Refresh parts of the aquarium water. It is desirable to fertilize with mineral fertilizers. The soil can be coarse river sand or fine gravel with a content of up to 2 mm. Since the plant has a fairly strong root, the soil should be covered with a layer of at least 5 cm. Echinodorus Alpha reproduces vegetatively. Over time, daughter bushes are formed on the rhizome of the mother bush and on the flower shoots, and when 3-5 leaves appear on them and small roots, they are carefully separated from the mother bush and planted in an empty space in the aquarium. Under acceptable conditions, Echinodorus alpha can flower and release a flowering shoot with flowers, after which daughter bushes are formed, as mentioned above.