{"title":"Other \u0026 Specialty Plants","description":"\u003cp\u003eSpecialty plants — aponogetons, banana plants and other characters that don't fit the usual boxes.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"aponogeton-crispus-red","title":"Aponogeton Crispus Red","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA graceful bulb plant that throws up a fountain of crinkled, red-tinged leaves. Aponogeton crispus is fast, easy and forgiving — one of the few undemanding plants that still makes a real centrepiece. Feed the roots, give it decent light, and let it take its natural rest now and then.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNative to Sri Lanka, where it grows from a bulb in slow streams, ponds and seasonal pools that dry back and refill with the seasons. That seasonal cycle is why the plant naturally goes dormant. In the aquarium it grows fully submerged and asks only for a nutrient-rich substrate around the bulb and reasonable light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eLong, translucent, strongly wavy-edged leaves rising in a loose rosette, light green through to reddish-bronze — the red form colours up most under stronger light. Leaves reach 20–40 cm and the whole plant can approach 50 cm, so it fills the back of a medium to large tank. It grows from a spherical bulb of 2–4 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlacement and Aquascaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA background centrepiece; give it room, as the arching leaves spread wide. In a taller tank it works as a single specimen rather than a mass planting, with lower plants around its base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Propagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlant the bulb in the substrate with the top third exposed — burying it completely risks rot. It is a root feeder, so tuck a root tab beneath it. It occasionally flowers and can set seed, and mature bulbs sometimes divide; expect an annual dormancy where it drops leaves, after which it reshoots from the healthy bulb in a few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eModerate to bright light brings out the reddest colour and keeps growth compact. CO2 is not required, though it speeds growth. Feed the roots with tabs and a general liquid fertiliser; it tolerates 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Growth is fast when active. If it goes dormant, leave the bulb in place and be patient.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAponogeton crispus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCrispus \/ Ruffled Sword (Red form)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSri Lanka\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e30–50 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFast\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBackground (centrepiece)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate to high\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertilisation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoot tabs (root feeder) plus liquid fertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePropagation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeed; occasional bulb division\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginners, low-tech and community tanks wanting a centrepiece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeaceful community fish, tetras, rasboras, shrimp and snails, which leave the leaves alone. It also copes well in general community tanks thanks to its fast growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHerbivorous and digging fish — large goldfish, silver dollars and many cichlids — which shred the soft leaves or dig up the bulb. Avoid burying the bulb fully, and note it dislikes being uprooted repeatedly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian-grown aquarium plants for in-store collection or local delivery. Sold sizes\/portions reflect what we stock; anything shown as sold out will return as we restock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234098037027,"sku":"AA1599","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/aponogeton-crispus-red-43078099697955-v2.webp?v=1790321519"},{"product_id":"banana-lilies","title":"Banana Lilies | Nymphoides aquatica","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBanana Lilies are one of the aquarium hobby's great oddities – clusters of fat, banana-shaped tubers that sit on the substrate and push up glossy lily-pad leaves. Hardy, slow and genuinely eye-catching, they make a fine talking-point plant for the foreground or midground. An easy pick for beginners and low-tech tanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eNymphoides aquatica is native to the still and slow-moving waters of the south-eastern United States – ponds, swamps and quiet streams. The swollen \"banana\" tubers are a food and water store that let it ride out changing conditions. In the aquarium it wants calm water and an open spot with light reaching the tubers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe namesake tubers are a cluster of green-to-brown finger-like structures resting at the substrate surface, from which rise long-stalked, heart-shaped leaves. Submerged leaves are a translucent light green; in low light they darken. Given the chance the plant will send leaves up to the surface on long stems, where they float as small lily pads. Overall height ranges from around 15 cm as a low plant up to 40–50 cm once it reaches for the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlacement and Aquascaping\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA foreground to midground feature. Rest the tubers on top of the substrate or bury only the fine roots – do not bury the banana tubers themselves, as they will rot. If you prefer a low, compact plant, snip the tall stems before they reach the surface to keep the leaves down in the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePlanting and Propagation\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemove any pot or wool, and simply lay the tubers on the substrate with the roots in contact with the surface; they will anchor themselves. Propagation is by daughter plants and runners, and by dividing the tuber cluster once new growth appears – separate a well-rooted section and reposition it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUndemanding: low to moderate light is enough, though brighter light gives fuller growth and lighter leaves. No CO2 is required. It feeds from both roots and water column, so a root tab under the plant plus a general liquid fertiliser keeps it going. Temperature 20–28 °C. Growth is slow to moderate, so watch for algae settling on the older leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNymphoides aquatica\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBanana Plant, Banana Lily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSouth-eastern USA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15–50 cm (leaves reach the surface)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlow to Moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlacement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForeground \/ Midground\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLighting\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLow to Moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCO2 Requirement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFertilisation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRoot tabs \u0026amp; liquid fertiliser\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.0–7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3–15 dGH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePropagation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDaughter plants, runners \u0026amp; tuber division\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBeginners, low-tech \u0026amp; community tanks, nano tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eHappy with peaceful community fish and invertebrates – small tetras, rasboras, livebearers, dwarf shrimp and snails – that leave the tubers and leaves undisturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiggers and herbivores such as goldfish, silver dollars and many cichlids will dislodge the tubers or graze the soft leaves. Strong flow can also unseat the loosely resting tubers, so keep it in a calmer part of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAustralian-grown aquarium plants for in-store collection or local delivery. Sold sizes\/portions reflect what we stock; anything shown as sold out will return as we restock.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55234104754467,"sku":"AA1323","price":7.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/banana-lilies-43078124077347-v2.webp?v=1790321529"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/collections\/Pisces_Tissue_Culture_Ammania_Senegalensis.jpg?v=1788252778","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/collections\/other-specialty-plants.oembed","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}