Curly waterweed

Lagarosíphon májor

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Genus: Lagarosiphon

Difficulty

Easy

Light

Medium to High

Growth Rate

Fast

Usage

Background

Ideal Conditions

Temperature

20-23°C(opt: 14.5°C)

CO2

5-40mg/L

pH

6-8

Nutrients

Nitrate (NO3): 10-50mg/L

Phosphate (PO4): 0.1-3mg/L

Potassium (K): 5-30mg/L

Iron (Fe): 0.01-0.5mg/L

Description

Lagarosiphon major grows submersed, floating, or rooted in stagnant cool waters and is native to southern Africa, where it thrives in cooler climate zones. Introduced to Western Europe and New Zealand, this plant has been used in aquariums since 1906. Its leaves are characterized by being hard with a pronounced downward bend, and they grow alternately (one leaf per node). The cultivation of Lagarosiphon major requires medium lighting and cool water temperatures (18-24°C). High water temperatures can cause decay within weeks. Soft water promotes the fastest growth rate, but it can also thrive in harder water. This stem plant can be planted or left floating in an aquarium, growing exceptionally fast once established. It can be propagated by cuttings of lateral or top shoots.