Propagating Blyxa aubertii

How to propagate the tall rosette Blyxa aubertii by dividing the clump and replanting lateral side shoots, with the soft, well-lit CO2 conditions it favors.

Overview

Blyxa aubertii is a tall, grass-like rosette in the family Hydrocharitaceae with short stems rarely more than 3 cm long and long, narrow leaves up to 60 cm long but usually under 10 mm wide. It is widespread across Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, and makes an elegant flowing background in the planted aquarium.

It is a rosette, not a topping stem plant: it is multiplied by dividing the clump and detaching the lateral side shoots it produces.

Propagation Method

Blyxa aubertii grows side shoots in much the same way as Blyxa japonica, only more slowly. As it grows it mostly kicks out side plants that enlarge the clump; you can later tear one off and replant it. Lifting the clump reveals several plants formed from one little bush, which you can snip apart.

Step-by-Step

Let the rosette establish and send out lateral side shoots.
Gently lift the whole clump from the substrate.
Identify the individual daughter plants formed within the bush.
Snip or tear them apart so each piece keeps healthy roots.
Replant each division spaced apart in nutrient-rich substrate with a root tab.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

Blyxa requires moderate to bright light and is a medium-high light plant that is difficult to grow well without added CO2. It prefers soft, slightly acidic water and a nutrient-rich, root-fed substrate.

Temperature: 22-28 C
pH 5.5-7, GH 2-10 (soft, acidic)
Medium-bright light, pressurized CO2 recommended, root tabs

Maintenance

Once adapted and rooted it is a very hardy plant tolerant of a wide range of parameters. Thin overcrowded clumps periodically and remove damaged leaves so light reaches the inner shoots.