Philodendron species appear commonly in many gardens, yet make unconventional choices for the home aquarium. In any case, these are technically land crops! Nonetheless, Philodendron is also one of the many adaptable crops on the market. In fact, they can usually be grown as marginal crops – in which the roots are submerged, although the leaves remain above the water level.
This makes Philodendrons a great choice in an aquarium, where you can potentially allow your Philodendrons to acclimate and fit into their setting without worrying about them drowning.
Philodendron biology
Philodendrons belong to the Araceae family. They are recognized by their interesting leaves which can sometimes be heart-shaped. They are usually very dark green, yet usually produce bright flowers. Many of them also have aerial root strategies that help them take up water and vitamins.
Another characteristic of these plants is that they are epiphytic – meaning that they grow on different plants (like trees) and get their vitamins not from the soil, but from the air or various plants around them.
In nature, Philodendrons will grow in the shade of large trees and if allowed to climb up they take up water from the leaves of their host plant as well as raindrops. This makes them an excellent choice for hanging or climbing aquarium decorations where you can potentially let your Philodendrons thrive as marginal plants.
7 Concepts on Philodendron Care in Aquarium
Aquariums are excellent ecosystems. Their size, type and water chemistry conditions of use can vary considerably, meaning that any routine advice on the conservation of philodendrons in the aquarium should be complemented by your personal assessment.
In-depth evaluation can be very important since aquariums are an unconventional setup for these crops, which are grown in soil. Recognizing this, there are a few concepts that will help you keep your Philodendron happy, your tank healthy, and your fish safe:
keep leaves away from fish
Despite their fairly benign appearance, philodendrons have a dark side. Their leaves are known to include oxalic acidWhich states that if the leaves are accidentally eaten, they can cause poisoning. This is absolutely true for animals such as frogs or fish, which can penetrate Philodendron leaves and eat them without knowing their toxicity.
Make sure that your aquarium plants are secure enough to ensure that they will not accidentally fall into the water, causing harm to any of your pets. Also, assure that all places where small animals can take shelter (equivalent to rockwork and driftwood) are appropriately secured and free of sharp edges.
current general lighting
Philodendrons are low light species, however they will not perform well if kept in low light conditions for long periods of time. In fact, even a few days of inadequate lighting can cause serious harm to them. You may find that your Philodendron's leaves will become small and sickly over time if not provided with proper lighting.
However, excessive amounts of light can also be a problem. While their roots require a lot of moisture and water, the leaves do best in dry conditions. For many species of Philodendron, 2 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity light a day is sufficient. Use a timer to make sure you don't overexpose your crops.
Submerge roots in acidic conditions
Most types of aquarium crops require balanced water chemistry. However, since all types of philodendrons are adapted to acidic conditions, their optimum pH is somewhere between 5.5-6.5! In several phrases, slightly acidic water is good for your plant's roots, if you intend to grow them in your aquarium.
To achieve this consistency, you can probably use peat moss or acid soil designed for aquarium crops, or simply add a little sulfuric acid to neutral tap water. If you use the latter method, be careful not to use excessive amounts of sulfuric acid. Doing so can cause serious damage to both your substrate and the Philodendron's leaves. Keep the water level low, and wait several hours for the pH to reach its optimal range.
current peak water quality
Philodendrons are designed to live in nutrient rich water conditions. This includes not only the soil in which they grow, but also the water to which they cling. They get their vitamins directly from both air and water sources, so it's important to keep your fish tank water clean if you want to keep your Philodendron healthy.
Although there is no such thing as needing to change the water every day, you will need to pay close attention to your water chemistry along with your repair routine. In reference to the former, confirm your tank's pH and nitrate ranges weekly, and the ammonia ranges daily. In terms of the latter, consider changing 25% of the water every 2 weeks with substitute water of similar temperature and pH.
Determine the correct type of water to use
At this point, we have focused our conversation on philodendrons grown in freshwater aquariums because they are the most common. Nonetheless, the split-leaf philodendron is able to survive in both saltwater and freshwater. This makes it one of the few plants that can be stored in the same aquarium water that is used for saltwater fish and invertebrates such as crabs and shrimp, which prefer extreme salinity levels.
Find out that this species of Philodendron can survive in saltwater conditions, but it is not naturally adapted to them. This means that it is best to slowly acclimate your split-leaf philodendron to its new environment by placing it in a container of salt water for several weeks before bringing it into the aquarium.
Take care with aquatic fertilizers as well
Philodendrons are ultimately crops. Which means they need carbon and oxygen like vitamins to survive. While their roots make them available in the soil, there is no guarantee that they will get the vitamins they need in the aquarium environment. This is where aquatic fertilizers come in handy.
Mixing them together will not only increase the survival cost of your Philodendron, but also increase its color and growth cost! However, be sure to know what type of fertilizer you want to use before adding it to your aquarium. Some varieties have the potential to be too strong for your plant, causing additional harm rather than benefit.
Organize a good quality filter system
A reliable filter system will not only keep your aquarium clean and healthy, but will also ensure that your Philodendron's roots receive a constant flow of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Filters aerate the water by creating a gentle water flow through the waterfall system used to return water from your aquarium back into your tank.
In such a situation, you should apply a high quality filter to your crops. Given that most philodendrons are grown in small tank setups, we recommend trying our list of the best filters for 10-gallon tanks. In our view, the perfect filter material for Philodendron is activated carbon, as it is known to bind trace amounts of nitrogen and phosphate present in aquarium water.
questions to ask
Which species of Philodendron are best for aquariums?
Split-leaf Philodendron is probably one of the most popular species of Philodendron stored as indoor plants, as it is hardy and likely to be grown in most conditions. Still, if you're looking for an extra distinctive aquarium plant, choose the Heart-Leaf Philodendron or Velvet-Leaf Line Philodendron.
As their name suggests, these species are characterized by their shiny leaves which makes them very trendy among hobbyists.
Is spraying the roots of my Philodendron useful?
While misting the root base of your Philodendron is technically useful, it can actually cause root rot if you're not careful. Therefore, only water your Philodendron at the roots by spraying it from an atomizer if you already know that its water needs are already met, otherwise through daily water changes of its substrate or your aquarium.
That said, it is useful to occasionally moisten the leaves on your Philodendron to clean off dust and remove any fungal growth caused by excess moisture.
Are Philodendrons poisonous to fish?
Many fish are able to live with Philodendron, yet it is very important to evaluate the actual species of your fish before living with any aquarium plant. Many fish are sensitive to the oxalates present in Philodendron leaves, which can prove fatal if exposed to excessive concentrations over a long period of time.
Mainly, because Philodendrons are grown only with non-toxic roots submerged in water, your fish can be safe. You may choose to take extra precautions by keeping them with fish that are much less susceptible to swallowing plants, such as larger cichlids or others. carnivorous fish,
How do we propagate Philodendron?
While you will be able to propagate Philodendrons by cutting their leaves or roots, dividing their rhizomes is a better method. The trick is to simply separate it into smaller objects that can be around 3-5″ long before placing them in a transparent substrate. The best time to do all this is in the middle of spring, as this is when new growth begins for these crops.
It is also worth noting that you should use a transparent knife, spoon or various utensils to avoid transferring any harmful fungi and bacteria from one plant to another. Once you're finished, your Philodendron will begin to display new growth within a few weeks.
Who is the Philodendron plant named after?
phrase “Philodendron“is certainly derived from two Greek phrases that accurately translate as “friend of the tree”. The species title, specifically, is derived from the Greek phrase “dendron”, meaning “tree.”
So, while it is not immediately obvious after hearing its widespread name, the Philodendron plant was actually named because of its tendency to cling to tree trunks. Nice huh?
conclusion
Philodendrons are easy to grow, hardy crops that have the ability to last for years without significant effort on your part. As long as you follow the rules outlined above, it is possible to keep Philodendrons living and thriving in an aquarium for years.
I hope you liked the article. In that case, please remember to share it with your friends or leave a comment below! Thanks for looking, and good luck with your planted aquarium!
