Care of the aquatic plant Alisma plantago-aquatica or Common water-plantain |
The genus Alisma, family of the Alismataceae, comprises 11 species of aquatic plants distributed throughout the planet. Some species are: Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alisma lanceolatum, Alisma gramineum, Alisma triviale. Common names: European water-plantain, Common water-plantain, Mad-dog weed. This species is native to northern and central Africa. They are herbaceous aquatic plants with tuberous roots, with spoon-shaped leaves and a long petiole. The flowers have no ornamental interest. European water-plantain is used in the decoration of ponds although they can be grown in pots. If grown in ponds, its growth must be monitored as it can become an invasive plant. Alisma plantago-aquatica needs a half-shade or full sun exposure if it has the necessary humidity. The soil should be clayey to retain water well and contain organic matter. About 50 cm (1.64 feet) should be submerged in a pond. If it is cultivated in a pot, it must be watered a lot; the substrate has to be waterlogged. Common water-plantain is a resistant plant that are not usually attacked by pests and diseases; you just have to watch that the soil does not dry out if you cultivate it in a pot. Mad-dog weed propagates easily from the shoots that the same plant produces or by division. |
Images of the aquatic plant Alisma plantago-aquatica or Common water-plantain |