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Datasheet
| Aquarium Compatible | yes |
| Plant Outdoor | yes |
| Plant Emersed Growth | yes |
| Plant Growth | medium |
| Temperature Tolerance | 4°C / 39.20°F - 25°C / 77.00°F |
| Temperature | 10°C / 50.00°F - 25°C / 77.00°F |
| Carbonate Hardness | 2-21 kh |
| pH Value | 6-8 ph |
| Light | medium-high |
| Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | 10-40mg/lmg/l |
| Nitrate (NO3-) | 10-50mg/lmg/l |
| Phosphate (PO43-) | 0.1-3mg/lmg/l |
| Potassium (K+) | 5-30mg/lmg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01-0.5mg/lmg/l |
General Description
The lesser waterplantain, scientifically known as Baldellia ranunculoides, is a low-growing aquatic plant found in Western, Central, and Southern Europe, along with some parts of Northern Africa. Initially classified under the genus Echinodorus, different groups have been identified, including Baldellia ranunculoides ssp. ranunculoides and Baldellia ranunculoides ssp. repens. The plant features lanceolate leaf blades, umbellate inflorescences, and white-pale violet flowers in its emersed form. In submersed conditions, it develops narrow, lineal leaves with acute tips. With variations in growth patterns, this plant forms leaf rosettes with or without runners, showcasing soft or stiff submersed leaves, respectively.
Aquarium Suitability
Although lesser waterplantain is not widely known in the current aquarium hobby, it is occasionally available for pond use. It is considered highly suitable for coldwater tanks and can also thrive in temperatures exceeding 20°C. Being an easy-care plant, it is favorable for midground and foreground placements in group settings. Its ability to tolerate a range of temperatures makes it adaptable to different aquatic environments.
Demands and Hardiness
The lesser waterplantain has moderate growth requirements, needing medium to high light levels and a carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration of 10-40mg/l. It prefers a pH range of 6-8, carbonate hardness between 2-21, and nitrate levels of 10-50mg/l. Additionally, it can withstand colder temperatures, making it suitable for tanks where temperatures fluctuate between 10-25°C, with a tolerance down to 4°C.
Aquascaping & Usage
In aquascaping, the lesser waterplantain can enhance the midground and foreground areas of an aquarium, especially in group plantings. Its rosette growth habit creates a visually appealing contrast with other aquatic plants. When considering its placement in aquascaping layouts, its adaptability to various water conditions and temperature ranges make it a versatile choice for aquarists seeking an easy-care aquatic plant.
Propagation
Propagation of Baldellia ranunculoides can be achieved through various methods such as runners, seeds, splitting, and cutting off daughter plants. This allows for the expansion of the plant within the aquarium environment, supporting its growth and reproduction cycles effectively.
Habitat and Distribution
The lesser waterplantain is native to regions across Western, Central, and Southern Europe, as well as coastal areas in North Africa (Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia), and select localities in the Middle East like Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. Having adapted to a range of aquatic habitats, this plant thrives in diverse environments, showcasing its resilience to varying conditions found in its natural distribution range.