Lagarosiphon curly

Curly Lagarosiphon, scientific name Lagarosiphon major, is a fully aquatic plant native to the stagnant wetlands of southern Africa. It has now been introduced to Western Europe and New Zealand, where it has become an invasive species. Used in the aquarium hobby since 1906.

For many years it was known under the trade name “Elodea crispa”, which is explained by its external similarity with elodea and aegeria. In particular, Lagarosiphon curly is similar to Egeria Densa, which is why they are sometimes confused. It differs only in the structure of the placement of the leaves, they are more rigid, bent down and are located one at a time on the whorl instead of 3 in Egeria densa. Both plants form a long, weakly branching stem. It can form dense floating plants or be fixed on the bottom with the help of roots. Propagated by lateral shoots. By pruning, you can get new shoots or reduce the density of existing thickets.

Prefers relatively cool temperatures around 18–24°C. With a long stay at higher temperatures, the plant breaks up into separate fragments within a couple of weeks. Grows rapidly in soft, slightly acidic water under moderate light. It does not need additional introduction of carbon dioxide or fertilizers, being content with what fish and other inhabitants of the aquarium produce.