Ranunculus papulentus Care Guide
Ranunculus papulentus is an Australian aquatic buttercup (Ranunculaceae) grown in aquaria for its lobed green leaves; trade plants closely match Ranunculus inundatus.
Overview
Ranunculus papulentus is an Australian aquatic buttercup of the family Ranunculaceae. It grows from a creeping rhizome and forms upright leaf stalks rooting at the nodes. Plants sold in the trade as Ranunculus papulentus do not differ from those identified as Ranunculus inundatus, indicating taxonomic confusion between the two names.
Taxonomy
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Genus: Ranunculus
- Scientific name: Ranunculus papulentus
- Closely related / trade-confused with: Ranunculus inundatus
Habitat
The related Ranunculus inundatus is native to southeastern Australia, where it grows in shallow waters and lakes. As an Australian aquatic Ranunculus, the plant favors cooler water and spreads along the substrate via creeping stems.
Tank requirements
- Temperature: 16-24 °C (61-75 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Maximum height: about 10 cm
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: beneficial (around 20-40 mg/L)
- Placement: midground, in groups
Growth and care
Growth rate is medium and the plant is considered intermediate in difficulty. Strong lighting and added CO2 with a nutrient-rich substrate promote vigorous growth; the species needs time to settle before it spreads. Once established it produces many low side shoots, forming a compact group.
Propagation
Propagation is by runners and by separating daughter plants; a shoot with two to three nodes can be cut and planted on its own.