Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Elodea canadensis
Common name
Canadian waterweed
Pondweed
Origin
Origin: North America (Canada)
Ideal fertilization
No data
Group
Hydrocharitaceae
Kind
Stem
Parameters
T°: -25 to 20°C or -13 to 68°F
pH: 6.9 to 9
Hardness: 5 to 30°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Lighting
Strong
Size
100 to 300cm (40 to 120")
Plantation
Immersed
Growth
Fast
Presentation
Who is the Canadian waterweed?
Presentation
Who is the Canadian waterweed?
Elodea Canadensis is widespread throughout the world, especially in Europe where it is considered invasive and harmful. Indeed, it thrives as soon as the water parameters suit it, and its range of tolerance in this area is very large!
In the aquarium environment, it is rather used in outdoor ponds because it not supports temperatures above 20°C or 68°F . On the other hand, it does not fear the cold at all and will be able to withstand extremely low temperatures, down to -25°C or -13°F!
Attention, the Elodea Canadensis is not without danger for your fish, in pond as in aquarium. Indeed, in large numbers and with a lot of sun, it tends to raise the Ph suddenly (up to 9!). This can prove fatal for many living beings. It will therefore be necessary to pay attention to it, that it is never in too big quantity in your aquariums/ponds.
The main advantage of the Elodea Canadensis is that it produces a lot of oxygen. It can also serve as shelter for fearful fish and fry. On the other hand, it will be eaten by many pond fish.
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Canadian waterweed?
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Canadian waterweed?
Elodea Canadensis only grows in submerged conditions. Its stems can reach 4 meters or 13 ft in length.
The water parameters or the substrate have no effect on the development of the plant. Only the lighting will be important. The temperature also plays a role because the plant does not like heat. A rather cold water (about 10 to 18°C or 50 to 64°F) will be a plus.
In the pond, let it dry in the summer sun and then cut a large quantity at the beginning of the winter, then compost it.
Farming
How to farm the Canadian waterweed?
Farming
How to farm the Canadian waterweed?
Like all stem plants, farming is by cuttings. Take some offspring and plant them in the substrate or let them float. The new stems will develop without difficulty.
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Elodea Canadensis does not feed on its roots but through its leaves that absorb the nutrients in the water.
It can potentially bloom in the end of the spring or in the summer. It will then form on the surface of the water small pink flowers.
This plant will be better in outdoor ponds with cold or temperate water. It can survive under the ice and can grow very slowly under ice cover. For milder temperatures in the aquarium, prefer its cousin Eregia densa which will be more suitable.
In some cases, it can be used as fertilizer or food for some animals such as pork.
Important: do not throw it in your toilet or sink. Compost it!
Yours photos!
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