Telanthera
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
The variety 'Rosaefolia' is among the easier of the Telanthera to grow. Jeff Ucciardo
Overview
Telanthera is a desirable plant that manifests in lovely shades of green, purple, red, and pink. It is commercially available with varietal names descriptive of these colors. 'Pink,' or 'Rosaefolia' is said to be the easiest variety to grow.
Family: Amaranthaceae
Other common name(s):
- Red Hygro
- Green Hedge
Native range:
Habitat: Inhabits rivers, lakes, swamps; occasionally terrestrial.
Maximum height: 50 cm (20 in)
Lighting: Medium to bright
Placement: Midground to background in bunches.
Water: Freshwater 17 °C (63 °F) - 25 °C (77 °F)
Feeding
This plant benefits from a fine, fertile substrate with nitrite and phosphorus fertilization. It does very well with supplemental CO2, however, it will grow smartly without CO2 injection.
Special Care
Strong lighting is the key to maintaining this plant, without which it loses color, and the leaves rot as the stems lengthen to reach for the light. Don't attempt to keep this wonderful midground plant without following the caveats about light and food. Do not crowd this plant; it requires elbow room and gentle water circulation to achieve its full potential.
Breeding/Propagation
Stem cuttings rooted in substrate. Using stems that already have nodal roots increases the success rate.
Notes
Roots form on the stem nodes to absorb nutrients from the water. Do not remove these roots, as they are working parts that help bring nutrients directly from the water to every part of the plant. Pruning the tips of the stems encourages bushy growth.