Mayaca Fluviatilis

[Melody]

Its all that bratt's fault - he has me looking for plants and I find stuff I like while I'm at it...lol. So yeah, on a plant kick, but as per usual I'm looking for practical, fast-growing plants. I like the looks of the Mayaca fluviatilis and I read that it would grow quickly. However, I can't find a thing about whether or not it will grow floating. Anyone know? I'd hate to kill it. Maybe I'll try it both ways.


http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f227/canadiansinternetdotcom/021.jpg

[PPulcher]

Just about all plants will grow floating. They'll probably put out roots searching for the substrate though.

I like that one, Melody. It looks like it would make great cover for fry.

[Melody]

Thanks! I have floated most common stem plants but I don't want to lose this one if it doesn't like it. I think you're probably right though. Now I just have to find out if they like salt... maybe I'll put it in two different tanks. It makes a very pretty bunch. If I don't manage to kill it and my heatpacks ever arrive, I can chuck a few stems into Herb's shipment for you if you like. :smile: Although you may have to wrestle him for it if he decides he likes it...lol...and I suppose i should ask him if he minds first. It was their last bunch but I think they get it in fairly often. It flowers too, given the opportunity.

[PPulcher]

I'm thinking it won't like the salt too much, but I guess a lot depends on how much you are using!

[Melody]

Weeelllll that's the thing, I'm not exactly the measuring type...lol...so how much is anyone's guess. Its not a whole lot, snails are fine in it, but quite often its seasalt. I'll try it both salted and unsalted so I don't risk it. With its preference for acidic conditions, it may not do well in my tanks anyway.::(: They do say its adaptable though and our tap water is soft as silk. Thanks for the help!

[DaFishMan]

http://www.aquabotanic.com/profilemayaca.htm

Nice plant Melody ! - and it's from South America too...
AND... It's a 'native invasive species to Florida...' :wideeyed:

It's a high light plant, it might die in my tank but I've been able to push my luck sometimes. I'd try it but would feel bad if you only have a bit, then my bit died.

Andrew has much better chances making this plant flourish. If he wants to try it for his fry no wrestle required. I'd be happy to bring to the next meet or drop it off. If it does well maybe some will come back my way :)

I think it might be able to float due to those white accessory roots - it pulls it's nutrients direct from the water column like Asian Ambulia and Hornwort.
But most people plant em ;) Worth a try and it's a graceful looking plant.
Glad if I influenced you into trying new plants :)

"Its all that bratt's fault"
Dangit ! Can't I get away with anything ? :no:
*sigh* (Goes back and stands in the corner)

Signed,
Bratt.

[Melody]

Hiya Bratt :smile: , thanks for the info. No corner punishment required - I'm happy with the purchase.

I don't even know if I can grow it, so I might as well spread it around. I can sometimes get away with floating plants with higher light requirements in my regular tanks... maybe you could try that too. Hopefully it will do ok in the higher light of the 90.

Everything that grows fast is invasive in Florida, unfortunately. ::(: Its a good quality for my purposes though!

I'll see if they have more the next time they get plants in so there's lots to spread around. Its a generous bunch so I think we can manage to share what's there regardless.::D: With postage as high as it is, I like to get as much into those boxes as possible.

[PPulcher]

Hey Herb, I've pretty much moved my tanks into low-tech land. I might have a spot for the fluvitalis in the short term. If I ever get my stuff done, I'll have a larger tank for it soon a la Walstad.

[Melody]

Mr. PPulcher inadvertently reminded me to update this. I have it floating in several tanks, none planted because I haven't got around to it :rolleyes: . Its growing very well floated, looks healthy and I can see new growth. Better in the smaller tanks where the WPG is much higher and the water is close to the light. I rarely get any fertilizer in there, some tanks have more seasalt than others but my tap water is soft as silk so maybe that balances it enough. I do add some liquid calcium to some tanks.

Overall I think its going to be fine. Now I want more. :yes: I hope it grows as quickly as they say it does. Its growth pattern is perfect for fry cover but not so dense that its hard to control.... so far anyways.

[grumpystiltskin]

I have mine in my c02 tank, and it does'nt grow that quickly or get out of control,
its a very manageable plant.
I,ll be sending you some more plants in the near future, the fish you gave me are all growing so nicely, lots of fry from the guppies, and the male sword is looking beautiful, his finnage is awesome. I should get around to posting pics !!
Anyways give me a couple of weeks ,and your plants will be on their way:smile:

[Melody]

No worries. I'd like to see the pic's - its fun for me to see the fish I've sent out in other people's tanks. :yes: Thanks for sharing your experience with the plant - I really like it.

[PPulcher]

Thanks for the update, Melody. It sounds like a good plant for fry, and something a little different than hornwort. Variety is the spice of life!