Nymphoides flaccida

The Colombian water fringe was only introduced to Europe a few years ago. It soon turned out to be a magnificent aquarium plant that is comparatively easy to care for. However, it is still a little-known rarity in the aquarium hobby. Nymphoides flaccida has so far only been found in the Departamento Meta in the Llanos region of Colombia. It grows there in fast-flowing streams with a gravel and boulder substrate. Unlike many other Nymphoides species, the underwater leaves of N. flaccida are not waterlily-like and roundish, but elongated, almost ribbon-shaped. They have approx. 10 - 12 cm long blades on approx. 12 to over 25 cm long petioles. With its leaf shape, this aquatic plant is vaguely reminiscent of the tropical seaweed Caulerpa prolifera. The species name flaccida ( = limp) refers to the soft texture of the leaves. The fresh, light green, loose leaf rosettes grow to a height of around 20 to 40 cm in our aquaria and have a short, thin rhizome.
Nymphoides flaccida shares a special way of propagation with other Nymphoides species: a young plant (adventitious plant) with roots apparently sprouts laterally from the leaf stalk about 1 cm below the leaf blade. In fact, these are not long-stalked leaves, but independent side shoots with a bud and a short-stalked leaf at the end. If such a shoot floats on the surface of the water, flowers can sprout from the bud before the adventitious plant appears. If the shoot remains under water, only the adventitious plant will develop. The delicate, white flowers with five narrow, finely fringed petals give the plant an additional decorative touch.

This particular species of Water snowflake makes no special demands on care and grows moderately quickly. Nevertheless, we recommend soft to medium-hard water, the addition of CO₂ and moderate to strong lighting. Temperatures of around 22 - 28 °C are favourable. A complete supply of macro and micronutrients via the substrate and/or the water column ensures good growth, but in our experience Nymphoides flaccida is not very sensitive to low nutrient levels. Propagation is by the aforementioned adventitious plantlets on long shoots. As soon as a young plant has sprouted a few leaves and roots, the stem can be cut off just below the sprouting point and the young plant together with the stem piece can be planted in the ground. Older plants sometimes only form long shoots with young plants and then no longer look very decorative. You can then cut off all the shoots, after which new leaves will sprout, or you can replace the plant with one of the abundantly formed young plants.

The still rare and little-known Nymphoides flaccida is a highly recommended, versatile aquarium plant with a remarkable appearance. With its moderate growth height, it is suitable for the background of smaller tanks, and in aquariums over 40 cm high also for the middle ground. It can be used as a solitary plant, but with its loose rosettes of leaves it also looks beautiful as a larger stand of many plants. The Colombian water fringe is particularly interesting for stream biotope aquariums. In relatively low aquariums without a cover, its delicate white flowers on the surface of the water create a pretty accent.