Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' Care Guide
Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' is a slow grass-like sweet flag for paludariums and pond margins, usually grown emersed.
Overview
Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus' is a variegated form of the Japanese sweet flag, recognised by white-and-green grass-like leaves. The species is native to Japan, Korea and eastern Asia, where it grows in wetlands and shallow water. It is most often grown emersed in paludariums and along pond margins, though it can tolerate fully or partially submerged conditions.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acoraceae
- Genus: Acorus
- Scientific name: Acorus gramineus 'Variegatus'
- Common synonyms: Variegated Japanese Sweet Flag
Habitat
In the wild the species occupies wetlands and the edges of streams and ponds. It spreads by rhizome, forming a near-seamless groundcover where conditions suit it. The plant has long, narrow, slightly curved grass-like leaves and reaches about 30 cm in height. Flowering typically requires at least partial submersion.
Tank requirements
- Placement: background / margin, emersed growth preferred
- Temperature: 10-24 °C (50-75 °F)
- pH: 6.0-8.0
- GH: 4-18 °dGH
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Mature height: up to about 30 cm
Growth and propagation
This is a slow-growing rhizome plant. It is propagated by dividing the fleshy rhizome and planting the base in shallow water. It is frequently used around the edges of ponds and water gardens, and is sometimes sold for freshwater aquaria, though it performs best when grown emersed.