Leaf Changing

[drufly]

does anybody know anything about a plant called 'hygrophila difformis'

I bought 1 about 2 months ago but knew very little about it, silly i know.

My querie is when i bought it it kinda looked like a fern(split jagged leaves) but it has now started to change into a full near broad leaf.

 

[Colin_T]

Most hygrophillas are grown out of water and when they are put under water they shed their emersed leaves and grow submersed leaves. These new leaves are usually a different shape and softer than their emersed counterparts.

 

[drufly]

When i bought the plant the whole thing was already submerged fully. Not doubtin what you are saying cos i dont know much about them, i just thought i would post to see if it was normal.

Any advice on what is a good fert for them as i am only experimenting with the live plants.

 

[Colin_T]

The plants are grown in hydroponic or marsh set ups at the plant nursery. Their roots are in water but their leaves are out of it. The plants then go to the shops where they get put in a tank of water. After a couple of weeks underwater the old leaves get shed and new ones grow.

I use Sera Florena for plants. It is an iron based fertiliser that works pretty well. You can also use laterite (red clay). You can either buy it from a shop or dig some out of the ground. You roll it into little balls about 10mm in diameter and allow them to dry. Then you push one or two balls into the gravel and put a plant on top. If the plants are already in the tank you simply push one or two of the balls into the gravel near the base of the plant.
A combination of laterite balls and iron fertiliser will give you the best results. Otherwise go for a liquid iron based fertiliser.