Egeria Densa

Egeria dense or Egeria Densa, scientific name Egeria densa. It is one of the most popular aquarium plants, although it is not always supplied under its real name. It is often confused with another similar species, Elodea canadensis, which was popular in the early days of home aquaria due to its ability to grow in cool water. At that time there was a big problem with heating, safe heaters did not yet exist. Currently, Elodea canadensis is much less common.

The plant forms a long stem, which in a favorable environment can grow up to two or more meters. On the stem there are four short lanceolate leaves on each node – a whorl. The distance between the whorls is approximately equal throughout the stem, but closer to the beginning of the plant, it is reduced, turning into a “cap” of leaves. Outwardly, the leaf blades are smooth with even edges, but when magnified, small teeth can be seen.

This is a completely aquatic plant that comes from South America, although now it is already found in the reservoirs of the tropical zone of Europe and Asia, where it probably got from aquariums. In nature, it grows in swamps, lakes, creeks and rivers and other slow-flowing water bodies.

The popularity of Egeria thick is due to the ease of cultivation. It can both float near the surface and fix on the bottom. Able to grow in almost any conditions in a wide range of temperatures and values ​​of hydrochemical parameters. It should be noted that the higher the temperature, the lower the growth rate. Actively absorbs dissolved organic substances that are the cause of the rapid growth of algae, thereby inhibiting their growth, and also enriches the water with oxygen more intensively than most other plants. It can be considered an ideal choice for beginner aquarists.