Elodea (common name: waterweeds)
Overview: Native to North and South America, Elodea, commonly called as waterweeds is a popular aquatic plant used in aquariums worldwide. Elodea genus has five or six species of submerged aquatic plants. They are perennial in nature and grow well in floating conditions.

Appearance: Elodea has dark green leaves arranged in three whorls per stem. The whorls are compact around the growth tip and gradually space out further down the base of stem. The leaves have smooth edges. The flowers of Elodea have 3 white petals with a wax-like coating that helps them float. The plant grows up to 3 or 4 feet in height.

Hard/soft plant: Soft plant

Ideal water temperature: It prefers an optimum temperature between 10 and 25 degree Celsius.

Lighting conditions: Elodea prefers moderate lighting intensity. In aquariums, a minimum of 2 watt per gallon is essential for it’s healthy growth. A good quality LED or fluorescent bulbs are ideal choices for your aquarium.

Ideal pH conditions: It can withstand pH values between 6 and 7.5.

Functions and advantages:
1) Elodea provides habitat for smaller aquatic animals which fishes snack on.
2) It is an excellent oxygen generator.
3) Chloroplast present in the cells of Elodea performs photosynthesis and provides nutrition to the plant.
4) Hiding place for smaller fishes and fries.
5) Compatible with gold fish.
6) Removes excess nitrates from water.

Did you know?

Elodea plants either bear male or female flowers exclusively not both or produce seeds via asexual reproduction. Therefore, species of only one sex are found in invasive population.