Most Nymphoides species, the floating hearts or water snowflakes, send round leaves to the surface like small water lilies. The aquarium variety Nymphoides hydrophylla 'Taiwan' is different: it grows as an upright stem with small, kidney-shaped, bright green leaves underwater.
It is an easy, medium-sized plant that adds a fresh, light green to the midground or background, and a change of leaf shape from typical stem plants.
Origin
Nymphoides hydrophylla grows in ponds and paddy fields in South and Southeast Asia. In the wild it has floating leaves and white, fringed flowers. The 'Taiwan' form was selected for its stem-growing habit underwater.
Appearance and growth
Underwater stems reach 20–40 cm, with leaves 2–4 cm across. Growth is moderate. In some tanks a stem will send up floating leaves; trim these to keep the submerged form.
Placement
Plant in groups in the midground or background of medium to large tanks. It contrasts well with fine-leaved stems such as Rotala rotundifolia.
Light, CO2 and nutrients
Medium light suits it. CO2 is helpful but not essential. A balanced liquid fertiliser keeps the leaves bright green; pale new leaves usually mean a lack of iron. See reading plant deficiencies.
Water conditions
- Temperature: 20–28°C
- pH: 6.0–7.5
- Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Propagation and maintenance
Cut and replant the tops, or let side shoots grow and separate them. Remove any floating leaves to stop them shading the tank.
Compatibility
It suits most community tanks and shrimp tanks. Large plant-eating fish will eat it.
Common problems
Plants bought in emersed form may melt back before regrowing. Too little light leads to long gaps between leaves.
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