Hedyotis Salzmannii care guide
Hedyotis Salzmannii (Hedyotis salzmannii) — medium light, 20-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Hedyotis Salzmannii (Hedyotis salzmannii) is a fine-leaved plant of the family Rubiaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. A delicate creeping stem plant with fine, paired leaves. Forms a low-growing mat when given sufficient light, making it suitable for foreground use or as a carpet alternative. Moderate growth rate allows it to fill in gradually without becoming invasive.
Taxonomy
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Genus: Hedyotis
- Scientific name: Hedyotis salzmannii
- Common synonyms: Oldenlandia salzmannii, Salzmann's Hedyotis
Habitat
Hedyotis salzmannii originates from South America, where it grows in freshwater marshes, ditches and slow-moving streams, frequently emersed on seasonally flooded ground.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 20-28 °C (68-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Substrate: nutrient-rich aquasoil
- Maximum height: 5 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: foreground
- Typical trim interval: 14 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the foreground.
Propagation
Propagation is by stem cuttings replanted into the substrate, and runners that throw daughter plants on the substrate; daughter plants are separated once they have formed several leaves and visible roots.
Common issues
Pale or stunted new growth usually signals a nutrient or iron deficiency, while algae on older leaves often follows light that exceeds the available nutrients or CO2; correcting fertilisation and trimming affected parts resolves most cases.