Efeutute data sheet
Attitude:
easy care over shoots
Breed:
5-7 weeks
Size:
hanging or standing growth
Temperature:
18 and 25 degrees Celsius
pH:
~ 7.4
GH:
~ 20
CH:
7
Ben PL, Epipremnum aureum (BYU, LSB), CC BY-SA 4.0
distribution
The ivy (Epipremnum aureum) originally comes from the tropical and subtropical areas of this world. There are 15 different species, which appear very decorative due to their pretty marbled leaf markings. As a tropical plant, it does not need temperatures below 15 degrees Celsius.
It is actually an undemanding and robust terrestrial plant that caused a sensation as a climbing plant and ornamental leaf plant. However, due to its biological properties, it is also suitable for valuable use in the aquarium.
Look
The ivy is a shrub-like growing leafy plant. It is robust and long-lasting and grows very quickly and vigorously with good care. The tendrils can grow long and form countless large leaves. The colors of the leaves range from shades of yellow-green to white-green. The ivy can be used standing, hanging or climbing. If it grows rampant, it will completely overgrow an aquarium tank in a short time.
particularities
The ivy has a great benefit for the aquarium in several respects: on the one hand it ensures an attractive design of the tank and on the other hand it serves to naturally improve the freshwater quality. This happens during the growth of the plant, during which the roots extract nitrate and phosphate from the water. By removing the harmful ingredients, the formation of algae in the aquarium is reduced and the water is biologically cleaned.
husbandry conditions
The use of the ivy for the aquarium can be done through the pot or simply through a few shoots. It is only important that the root shoots have contact with the water and can filter it. Under species-appropriate conditions, the plant will quickly sprout roots and get the necessary nutrients from the water. In addition to nitrate and phosphate, the waste from the aquarium inhabitants is also useful for the growth of Epipremnum. Together these act like a good fertilizer.
Use ivy as a tendril:
To use the ivy cut off a few cut branches from the plant.
Then place the cuttings in a glass of water for rooting. Within a short time, roots form at the lower ends and the plant grows.
The ivy is a poisonous species! Before the cuttings come into the aquarium, the cut ends should dry for a day. In this way, no harmful plant sap gets into the pool water.
Now hang the branches in the aquarium so that only the lower stems are covered by the water.
Within a short time, more roots form at the lower ends, and the ivy grows. To prevent the shoots from overgrowing, they must be trimmed regularly.
Use ivy as a potted plant:
- Put the ivy in a vessel filled with expanded clay or lava rock and has several holes.
- The pot is either placed next to the aquarium or hung up. To avoid overgrowth of the plant, only the lower part should be in contact with the water.
- Then individual shoots are pulled through the openings in the pot until they hang a little in the water. The so-called aerial roots are newly formed on each shoot and are under water.
Since the mother plant thrives in a pot outside of the aquarium, it needs some maintenance.
Tip: An ivy that thrives in the ground is not suitable for the aquarium. This specimen cannot survive underwater!
Caring for the ivy in the pot:
- Place the plant in a hydroponic pot with larger holes.
- Choose a bright to partially shaded location. No direct sunlight, no draughts. The beautiful pattern of the individual leaves depends on the intensity of the brightness.
- Water moderately and avoid waterlogging. Use water from the aquarium for watering.
- Feed with liquid fertilizer every 14 days from spring to autumn.
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring.
Expert tip: If the ivy leaves turn yellow under water, they can simply be cut off. As a rule, the fresh leaves in the tank thrive in a rich green.