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smurfishy

Propagating creeping waterprimrose or Ludwigia Peploides

Smurfishy
12 years ago

In Connecticut it is too cold to worry about this plant as a pest, however I guess it is in other states and when I try googling it only comes up with ways to remove it rather than encourage growth! I aqcuired a plant during the summer that when brought into my tank slowly died off. I am guessing it was a combination of poor lighting combined with water current. It a running theory in my fish friend circle that it might of preffered still water as it flourished in my 5 gallon bucket over the summer. I removed the dead plant but refused to throw it away because it had babies. It is currently in a party bowl where they are continuing to grow from the dead plant. I was told they would eventually die if I don't remove them from the decaying plant. Some are very small though with the largest being an inch. I see no root so i am assuming it is rooting in the mother plant? Should i remove them now, should I wait, what is the best way to remove them and what should I do with them after I remove them. Should I keep them in a bowl until summer or can I put them at the bottom of my 75 gallon fish tank. The mother plant was close to the top as it was emergent and that was right in the way of my 400gph filter, but maybe being at the bottom of the tank the water will be still enough? My idea was to cut the decaying plant an inch in either direction from the babies, then attach them to rocks and leave in the bowk or put back in the tank. In the summer I planned on putting them in my new pond.

Comments (4)

  • terrestrial_man
    12 years ago

    The plant grows best on mud or very shallow water. Once established on a wet or shallow substrate then it can grow successfully out onto the surface of a pond and take on a somewhat different form than that of its parent. It enjoys light and plenty of it. Be sure to compost it if you ever decide not to grow it any more.

  • Smurfishy
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Thanx for the info but I still need to learn how to go about salvaging the babies.

  • sleeplessinftwayne
    12 years ago

    This might help.

    Leave the parent plant in place. At the node where the new growth occurs cut a slit across and perpendicular to the join down to the cambrium layer. Rub rooting hormone powder into the cut. Let it rest just above or floating on the surface of the water until roots develop. Cut the new plant away from the parent plant.

    You want to avoid washing away the rooting hormone. Some people rest the bud on a doughnut of Styrofoam to keep it from sinking too deep but not dry out.

  • Smurfishy
    Original Author
    12 years ago

    Why must I worry about the plant being low in the water?

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