Several Common Aquatic Emergent Plants
In creating courtyard water features or indoor hydroponic landscapes, choosing the right aquatic emergent plants is crucial. These plants not only purify the water but also create a unique ecological beauty. This article will delve into the characteristics of six typical aquatic plants such as lotus, water hyacinth, and bowl lotus, and reveal their cultivation techniques and ecological value.
Core Elements of Aquatic Plant Cultivation
Light and Container Selection
All emergent plants require ample sunlight, and it is recommended to receive 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Containers should be chosen without drainage holes, such as ceramic pots or special hydroponic vessels. Lotus plants require containers with a diameter greater than 40 cm, while bowl lotus is suitable for 20 cm mini containers.
Water Quality and Substrate Ratio
Use water with a pH value between 6.5-7.2, and the pond mud should contain 30% humus. Floating plants like water hyacinth can be directly hydroponically cultivated, and 5ml/L of nutrient solution should be added every two weeks.
Details of Six Classic Emergent Plants
Lotus Cultivation Tips
Choose small varieties like "Bowl Lotus" and "Dancing Maiden Lotus," and the rhizome should be inserted diagonally at a 45-degree angle into the pond mud. The key maintenance period is from June to August, maintaining a water level of 15-20 cm and applying phosphorus and potassium fertilizer monthly. Pay attention to the prevention and control of the oblique-striped caterpillar, and hang yellow sticky traps.
Water Hyacinth Control Techniques
The daily increase rate of Eichhornia crassipes can reach 5%, and regular pruning is required to maintain a coverage rate of less than 60%. In winter, it is necessary to maintain the water temperature above 10°C. An ecological floating bed can be created to purify the water, with an ammonia nitrogen removal rate as high as 92%.
Bowl Lotus Seasonal Management
Several Common Aquatic Emergent Plants
Miniature varieties like "Jade Bowl" and "Child's Shy Face" are suitable for desktop penjing. Seeds need to be shell-broken, maintaining a water temperature of 20-30°C, and using LED grow lights can extend the flowering period to 120 days. Pay attention to prevent the growth of green algae by releasing 3-5 apple snails.
Medicinal Plant Sida cordata
Cultivate using a mixture of river sand and peat soil (1:2), and applying calcium and magnesium fertilizers during the flowering period can increase the medicinal ingredient content. The extract from this plant, lobeline, is an important raw material for emergency medical supplies, and it is recommended to maintain a planting spacing of 20cm×20cm.
Culture Application of Iris
The "Water Sword" hung during the Dragon Boat Festival is actually the leaf of Iris. Cultivation requires simulating a stream environment and setting up a circulating water system. Its rhizome contains β-asarone, a natural mosquito repellent ingredient, but be cautious of the risk of pets ingesting it.
Ecological Function of Canna
Choose cold-resistant improved varieties like "Tropical Charm" and "Golden Vein," which can tolerate -5°C low temperatures. As an indicator plant for heavy metal pollution, its leaf cadmium accumulation reaches 158mg/kg when environmental treatment should be initiated.
By scientifically combining different emergent plants, a stepped purification system can be constructed: lotus → water hyacinth → iris three-level filtration system, which can increase the removal efficiency of TP by 47%. It is recommended to rotate crops regularly to prevent soil compaction and update the substrate every spring to allow aquatic plants to continue to exert their ecological and aesthetic value.