I've been growing plants for some time with great results, but I've had trouble with a few. These plants have been labeled as "soft water" plants that grow best in "low conductivity" waters. Some examples are Blyxa japonica, Rotalla macranda, etc. I've had trouble with both of these plants, while others grow well.
My question is more specific than general, as I know the vast majority of plants grow very well in a wide range of water hardness. I'd like to focus more on these plants, and others like Tonina, L. Pantanal, etc., as they have been deemed to grow best in "soft" water. I've moderately hard water (KH 12, GH 18), and I've love to grow some other plants.
Do these few plants really need "soft" water? My latest ongoing experiment of about 9 months is with R. macranda. I am barely sustaining this plant. I'm down to 1 stem with a side shoot, and it looks nothing like it should; it's spindly as can be, but it is blood red. I know my nutrients are good since all my other plants are doing exceptionally well (that's the EI for ya!), and my lighting is adequate (3.4 wpg PC). I tried blyxa as well, but it just looked miserable even though it did grow a little. I really like some others, but I'm afraid to try them.
What's the deal with these certain plants? I want to grow them; what does it take? Is water hardness to blame?
My question is more specific than general, as I know the vast majority of plants grow very well in a wide range of water hardness. I'd like to focus more on these plants, and others like Tonina, L. Pantanal, etc., as they have been deemed to grow best in "soft" water. I've moderately hard water (KH 12, GH 18), and I've love to grow some other plants.
Do these few plants really need "soft" water? My latest ongoing experiment of about 9 months is with R. macranda. I am barely sustaining this plant. I'm down to 1 stem with a side shoot, and it looks nothing like it should; it's spindly as can be, but it is blood red. I know my nutrients are good since all my other plants are doing exceptionally well (that's the EI for ya!), and my lighting is adequate (3.4 wpg PC). I tried blyxa as well, but it just looked miserable even though it did grow a little. I really like some others, but I'm afraid to try them.
What's the deal with these certain plants? I want to grow them; what does it take? Is water hardness to blame?