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Barclaya longifolia is a beautiful and distinctive solitary plant, available in green varieties with light-green leaves and pink underneath (or in dark-red). It flowers well in aquariums - even under water if the aquarium is so tall that the flower cannot reach the water surface. Dormant periods sometimes occur when the leaves disappear, but the plant starts forming new leaves a few months later. The dormant period can often be broken by moving the plant.

Family	Nymphaeaceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin
Height	30-80 cm
Width	20-50 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	23-32° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5-8
Growth	medium
Demands	medium

Ceratophyllum demersum is a genuine cosmopolitan found all over the globe. It has no true roots but can be planted in the bottom. In the wild it is often found rooted, with the lower leaves forming anchors. As a floating plant it provides a good hiding-place for young fish. C. demersum can be useful in combating algae because it consumes nutrients in the water and secretes substances that counteract algae. Some varieties are difficult to transport.

Family	Ceratophyllaceae
Continent	Cosmopolitan
Region	Cosmopolitan
Country of origin
Height	5-80+ cm
Width	5-15+ cm
Light requirements	very low-very high
Temperature	10-28° C
Hardness tolerance	oft-very hard
pH tolerance	6-9
Growth	fast
Demands	easy

The purple colour underneath Alternanthera reineckii ''roseafolia'' leaves provides an effective contrast to the many green plants in an aquarium - particularly when planted in groups. Good light encourages the leaves to turn red. Most Alternanthera species are difficult to grow, but this one is relatively undemanding. Easy to propagate by nipping off the terminal bud and planting it in the bottom. This also makes the mother plant more bushy, because more side shoots are formed.

Family	Amaranthaceae
Continent	South America
Region	South America
Country of origin
Height	25-50 cm
Width	10-15 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	17-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-hard
pH tolerance	5-8
Growth	Medium
Demands	Medium

Alternanthera reineckii ''lilacina'' needs plenty of light to grow and form dark-red leaves. In open aquariums it grows willingly up through the surface, and like other difficult plants growth improves considerably if CO2 is added. Shortage of micronutrients results in pale leaves. Like other stem plants A. reineckii ''Lilacina'' is best in groups.
Common Name: Red Temple

Family	Amaranthaceae
Continent	South America
Region	South America
Country of origin
Height	15-40 cm
Width	10-15 cm
Light requirements	high-very high
Temperature	17-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-medium
pH tolerance	5-7
Growth	slow
Demands	difficult

Rotala wallichii is a demanding plant that develops red shoot tips in good light conditions. The most decorative effect can be achieved by planting a large number of stems in a group. R. wallichii is a good foreground plant, and suitable for small aquariums because it is easy to prune if it grows too large. CO₂ addition boosts growth considerably. It also prefers soft, slightly acidic water.

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Family	Lythraceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin
Height	10-30 cm
Width	2-4+ cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	18-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-medium
pH tolerance	5-7
Growth	fast
Demands	difficult

Ludwigia glandulosa is a very beautiful water plant. It is slowgrowing and requires CO2 addition to grow well. The leaves turn greener if sufficient light is provided. Used to be sold as Ludwigia perennis.

Family	Onagraceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin
Height	15-40 cm
Width	5-12 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	20-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5,5-8
Growth	slow
Demands	difficult

Ludwigia inclinata is a difficult plant that requires soft, slightly acidic water with added CO₂ to thrive optimally. In good light the leaves turn a beautiful shade of yellow/orange. In many coloured plants the leaves are only coloured underneath, but the leaves of L. inclinata are also coloured on top. If there is insufficient light the leaves turn greener, and the lower leaves fall off. This plant also thrives in terrariums with a high air humidity.

Family	Onagraceae
Continent	South America
Region	South America
Country of origin
Height	20-40 cm
Width	3-5+ cm
Light requirements	high-very high
Temperature	22-30 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-medium
pH tolerance	5-7
Growth	fast
Demands	very difficult

The finely-branched red leaves of Myriophyllum tuberculatum make this one of the most beautiful of aquarium plants. But it makes great demands on the light, and only thrives in a few aquariums. A nutritious bottom and CO₂ addition promote growth significantly. M. tuberculatum is most beautiful when planted in groups, but do not plant shoots too close because this will prevent light reaching the lower leaves.
Common Name: Red Foxtail

Family	Haloragaceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin
Height	40+ cm
Width	5-8 cm
Light requirements	very high-very high
Temperature	18-29 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-hard
pH tolerance	5-7
Growth	fast
Demands	very difficult

In the nursery this plant is cultivated in marshy conditions, forming dark-green leaves which are purple underneath. In aquariums the leaves turn a beautiful shade of light-green. It needs intensive light to thrive. Widely used in Dutch aquariums in so-called ''plant streets''. In open aquariums it grows above the water surface, where it forms very beautiful scarlet flowers and the leaves regain their colour. Can be used in garden ponds.

Family	Lobeliaceae
Continent	North America
Region	North America
Country of origin
Height	20-30+ cm
Width	7-15 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	15-26 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-hard
pH tolerance	6-8
Growth	slow
Demands	difficult

Echinodorus x barthii is a decorative and beautiful solitary plant for large aquariums. The leaves change colour from dark-red in the youngest leaves to dark-green in the oldest. The colour develops well when the light intensity is high and there are sufficient micro-nutrients in the aquarium. A nutritious bottom and CO2 addition promote growth. This plant takes a lot of light from plants underneath, so it must be pruned occasionally. It used to be sold as ''Double Red''.

Family	Alismataceae
Continent	South America
Region	Cultivar
Country of origin
Height	25-50 cm
Width	20-30 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	16-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-hard
pH tolerance	6-9
Growth	medium
Demands	medium

Echinodorus schlueteri is an orbiculate ''sword'' plant whose low, broad growth makes it suitable for small aquariums. The youngest leaves have clear red-brown spots, which turn very light in older leaves. It is generally undemanding, but at high light intensity the red-brown spots become more strongly coloured. A nutritious bottom promotes growth. See Echinodorus schlueteri 'Leopard'.

Family	Alismataceae
Continent	South America
Region	South America
Country of origin
Height	15-25 cm
Width	15-20 cm
Light requirements	medium-very high
Temperature	20-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-hard
pH tolerance	6-8
Growth	medium
Demands	medium

Echinodorus 'Ocelot' is a decorative hybrid between Echinodorus schluteri 'Leopard' and Echinodorus x barthii. Naturally, it is the elliptical black spots on the red-brown leaves that have given this plant the name 'Ocelot'. The spots are darkest on the youngest leaves, and unlike many other spotted Echinodorus Echinodorus 'Ocelot' retains its spots even at low light intensity. It is an undemanding, good plant for beginners.

Family	Alismataceae
Continent	South America
Region	Cultivar
Country of origin
Height	20-40+ cm
Width	25-30 cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	15-30 ° C
Hardness tolerance	soft-very hard
pH tolerance	6-9
Growth	fast
Demands	Very easy

Aponogeton madagascariensis is a speciality in botanical gardens all over the world. It used to be so much in demand that it almost became extinct in its natural environment in Madagascar A. madagascariensis makes such high demands on water quality and the bottom that it can only be recommended as a solitary plant in large, specialized aquariums in which the water is replaced frequently. There are several varieties, with different structures and leaf widths.
Common Name: Madagascar Lace

Family	Aponogetonaceae
Continent	Africa
Region	Africa
Country of origin	Madagascar
Height	25-50+ cm
Width	25-30+ cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	15-26 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5-7,5
Growth	fast
Demands	difficult

Anubias barteri var. barteri is an undemanding plant. It grows somewhat larger than Anubias barteri var. nana but is grown in the same conditions. Anubias barteri varies considerably in terms of size and leaf shape. Like other Anubias species, it is best planted in a shady spot to restrict algae growth on the leaves. It is also suitable for terrariums and aquaterrariums. Herbivorous fish do not eat the very tough and robust leaves.

Family	Araceae
Continent	Africa
Region	Africa
Country of origin
Height	25-45 cm
Width	15 cm
Light requirements	very low-medium
Temperature	20-30 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-very hard
pH tolerance	5, 5-9
Growth	very slow
Demands	easy

This beautiful variety with the dark, hammered leaves is named after 'Tropica'. When grown in an open space the leaves will virtually lie on the bottom. It is suitable for small aquariums. Like most other Sri Lanka Cryptocorynes, it also grows well in hard water. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.

Family	Araceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin	Sri Lanka
Height	6-10 cm
Width	8-12 cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	20-30° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5,5-8
Growth	medium
Demands	very easy

Family	Araceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin	Sri Lanka
Height	6-10 cm
Width	8-12 cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	20-30 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5,5-8
Growth	medium
Demands	very easy

Unlike the common Cryptocoryne undulata, this plant has wider leaves and a beautiful, flecked leaf pattern. It also grows larger. It is known botanically as a triploid variety. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.

Family	Araceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin	Sri Lanka
Height	15-25+ cm
Width	10-20 cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	20-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5,5-8
Growth	medium
Demands	easy

This beautiful variety of Cryptocoryne wendtii is only found in the river Mi Oya. It has characteristic red-brown, slightly hammered leaves. Many Cryptocorynes can grow at high temperatures. In the wild this plant is found in streams with a temperature of more than 30 degrees C. At even higher temperatures the light intensity must be higher or the days longer. See other Cryptocorynes for further information.

Family	Araceae
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin	Sri Lanka
Height	25-35 cm
Width	15-30 cm
Light requirements	low-high
Temperature	20-32 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-very hard
pH tolerance	5,5-8
Growth	slow
Demands	very easy

Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv' is a patented variety of M. pteropus, named after Tropica's founder Holger Windeløv. Its finely branched leaf tips make it one of the most beautiful aquarium plants. A hardy and easy plant for both beginners and the more experienced. Best planted on a stone or tree root (this is how Microsorum grows in the wild). If planted in the bottom the horizontal rhizome must not be covered. This plant is not eaten by herbivorous fish.

Family	Polypodiaceae
Continent	Asia
Region	Cultivar
Country of origin
Height	10-20 cm
Width	12-18+ cm
Light requirements	very low-high
Temperature	18-30 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5-8
Growth	slow
Demands	very easy

Banana lily gets its name from its cluster of thick banana-shaped roots, located close to the leaves near the surface of the water. Banana lily has rounded leaves that have a notch at the base: they resemble small water lily leaves. Banana lily leaves are green above and dull purple below. It has small white five-petalled flowers that arise from below the leaf. Propagation: Usually by vegetative means - young adventive plants spring from separate leaves or cuttings

Family	Genzianacee.
Continent	North America
Region	Alantic cost America
Country of origin
Height
Width
Light requirements
Temperature	20 - 25 ° C
Hardness tolerance	30 - 150 ppm
pH tolerance	6.5 - 7.2
Growth
Demands

Hygrophila siamensis
Under water the leaves are light-green and dense. In open aquariums Hygrophila corymbosa ''Siamensis'' grows easily above the water surface, where it forms blue-green leaves and small blue flowers. It grows fast and the shoots must be pinched out regularly if you want to keep the plant under water. An extremely hardy plant, suitable for beginners.

Family	Acanthacea
Continent	Asia
Region	South-east Asia
Country of origin	Thailand
Height	15-40 cm
Width	15-20 cm
Light requirements	low-very high
Temperature	20-28 ° C
Hardness tolerance	very soft-hard
pH tolerance	5.5-8
Growth	fast
Demands	easy

Cryptocoryne Barbudius

Family
Continent
Region
Country of origin
Height
Width
Light requirements
Temperature
Hardness tolerance
pH tolerance
Growth
Demands

Small foreground plants for aquariums are in short supply, but Echinodorus tenellus is one of the best. The runners spread round the aquarium, and growth is more compact when planted in a pot or between stones or other objects. A true ''lawn'' effect is only achieved at high light intensities, so you must make sure larger plants do not overshadow the plant. Plant individual plants a couple of centimetres apart (easiest with tweezers). A nutritious bottom promotes growth.
Common Name Hair Grass

Family	Alismataceae
Continent	North America
Region	America
Country of origin
Height	5-10 cm
Width	5-8+ cm
Light requirements	Medium -Very High
Temperature	19-30°C
Hardness tolerance	Very soft- medium
pH tolerance	5.5-8
Growth	medium
Demands	Medium

Vallisneria americana (gigantea) is an easy plant that grows fast, suitable for large aquariums. In most aquariums the leaves grow so long that they float on the surface. So the plant needs pruning to stop it taking too much light from plants growing beneath. The leaves are tough and strong, so they are not normally eaten by herbivorous fish. V. americana is easy to propagate using runners, which are prolific if the bottom is nutritious.
Common Name Giant Val

Family	Hydrocharitaceae
Continent	Asia
Region	Asia
Country of origin
Height	50-100+ cm
Width	15+ cm
Light requirements	low-Very High
Temperature	18-30°C
Hardness tolerance	soft-very hard
pH tolerance	6-9.5
Growth	fast
Demands	very easy

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