Didiplis diandra 'Mini' Care Guide
Didiplis diandra 'Mini' is a compact form of the North American water hedge (Lythraceae), a fine needle-leaved stem plant for the aquarium midground.
Overview
Didiplis diandra 'Mini' is a smaller form of Didiplis diandra, commonly called water hedge, the only species in its genus within the family Lythraceae. It is a stem plant with fine, needle-like foliage that becomes dense and bushy as it grows toward the surface; reddish to orange tips develop under intense light.
Taxonomy
- Family: Lythraceae
- Genus: Didiplis
- Scientific name: Didiplis diandra 'Mini'
- Common name: water hedge
Habitat
Didiplis diandra is native to the eastern, southern and southeastern United States, extending toward northeastern Mexico. It grows in lakes and streams as a submerged or marginal plant.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 20-27 °C (68-81 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Plant height: up to 20 cm
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended (around 20-40 mg/L)
- Placement: midground, in groups
Growth and care
Growth is medium to fast and the plant is considered demanding. Strong light, added CO2 and regular fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and iron keep growth compact and bring out reddish coloration; iron deficiency causes pale leaves. The plant tends to shade itself, so the lower stems can wither without trimming.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings; planting in groups or bunches produces the dense bushy effect this plant is grown for.