Want to brighten up your home with some greenery? How about some aquatic plants?
AQUATIC plants or plants that can adapt to living in water can be categorized by the air spaces trapped in their roots which have hairy leaves to trap air.
Aquatic plants can brighten up any living space while also adding a little greenery in the house. Some aquatic plants need more sunlight than the others, so those are better kept outside the house. The maintenance of an aquatic plant is relatively easy provided you change the water frequently. One of the most common misconception of having an indoor aquatic plant is the emergence of mosquitoes. Well, there are certain fertilisers or mosquito baits that can be used. But, if you have pets or kids around the house, it can be poisonous if they accidentally drink it. The best option is to add some salt to the water, which will hopefully stop the mosquitoes from breeding. Below are three varieties of aquatic plants.
Plant: Epipremnum aureum (marble queen)
Requirements: This plant requires a lot of water and needs a semi-shaded area to thrive. It is an indoor plant and it comes under the climber’s variety, thus, it would look nice when placed near a fence or wall. Fungicide is vital, every three weeks, to prevent fungal diseases on the leaves.
Steps to transfer plant from soiled pot: First, gently place hands on plant and remove it from soil without damaging the roots (shake it gently). Water the soil down with a hose. Don’t remove all soil, leave a little behind. Prepare a bowl filled with a few stone pebbles. Gently place plant in glass bowl and add more pebbles to ensure plant is upright and stable. Leave it at a semi-shaded area away from direct sunlight.
Plant: Hydrocotyle asiatica
Requirements: This type of shrub is a native species from Singapore. It only requires a moderate amount of water and is best kept in a semi-shaded area. Part of a huge family of herbs and spices, this plant has many health benefits Apparently, the juice (pegaga) is also used as a general tonic for good health and as ulam in Malay cuisine. It also produces tiny flowers, which come in small bunches near the surface of the soil.
Steps to transfer plant from pot: Gently wash soil off from roots. Allow it to dry for awhile. Prepare pebbles and a cylinder-like glassware. Place plant inside and add more pebbles to keep it upright. Place in a semi-shaded area.
Plant: Eichhornia azurea
Requirement: This is an aquatic plant, so it only thrives in water. It requires a high quantity of water and sunshine, so it’s best left outdoors. This shrub produces beautiful ornamental flowers. The structure of the plant makes it a great ornamental piece and its glossy leaves are similar to a palm tree.
Steps: Since this plant requires a high quantity of water, it’s best to let it grow in a pond. Place pebbles near the root and firmly place plant in an upright position. The structure and height of the plant can enhance a small pond filled with fishes.
Essential tips for water plants
1. Use a fertiliser meant for water plants or spray the leaves with required fertiliser.
2. If there are yellow leaves or leaves that have been infected with insects or bacteria, remove them immediately to avoid contaminating the plant.
3. Always make sure the temperature is just right where the water plant is placed; it must be neither too hot nor too cold. Too much humidity will cause the plant to die while direct sunlight could damage the foliage.
4. The area where the water plant is placed has to be safe, without children nearby, to avoid any mishaps.
5. Make sure the bowl or pot is not too crowded with plants, but you can place a variety of water plants in a bowl for added foliage.
6. Too much soil and water can contaminate the plant.
7. You can wash the bowl once a week; otherwise you can also keep it for two weeks. There is no harm if an algae develops.
8. Add coloured pebbles or stone pebbles to add colour to the water plant.
9. Use jelly pebbles (available from plant nurseries) as a substitute for water, if you wish.
10. You can use normal glassware or ceramic for your water plants. Wash the glassware/ceramic with soap water. Rain water may be used to water it as it has added benefits.
