If you have decided to dare the experiment of keeping aquatic plants in a glass, one thing is particularly important after planting the slightly different kind: care. This guide explains exactly what you should pay attention to!
How do you care for aquatic plants in a glass?
Caring for aquatic plants in glass includes controlling the influence of light, temperature, container size and water changes. Avoid direct sunlight, keep the plants at room temperature and use a jar that holds at least 1.5 liters. With the jar closed, change a third of the water every 6-12 months.
The most important care measures for aquatic plants
Basically, attempts to cultivate aquatic plants in a glass can succeed or fail. To force the former case, you need to consider a few points. Otherwise, your plant will quickly wither away.
Specifically, it is important to steer the following aspects in the right direction:
- Light influence
- Temperature
- Vessel choice
- Water change
Light influence
Most aquatic plants in glass need a certain level of brightness. However, you should avoid direct sunlight.
Note: If there is not enough light coming into your apartment, you can also illuminate the plants in the glass with artificial light (energy-saving lamp) (€89.00 on Amazon).
Temperature
Make sure to keep your aquatic plants in the glass at room temperature all year round. (Larger) temperature fluctuations must be avoided at all costs.
Vessel choice
The glass must be adjusted to the size of the aquatic plant, but should hold at least 1.5 liters.
Note: Plant lovers often ask whether aquatic plants can be kept in preserving jars. The answer is not clear, but: Mason jars are usually too narrow for aquatic plants. Only very small species survive in it.
Water change
If you keep your aquatic plant in a closed glass, you should replace a third of the water about every six to twelve months.
Cultivate the plant in an open jar, continuously replenish evaporated water.
Important: For aquatic plants in an open glass, it is recommended to clean the container once a week to avoid the accumulation of bacteria. Be very thorough with this measure and make sure that there are no detergent residues in the glass after washing up.
What else there is to consider
If necessary, you should vacuum up any resulting debris.
In order for an aquatic plant to thrive in a glass, its microcosm must remain constantly in balance. It is ideal if dying leaves are decomposed. In this way, nutrients are formed for the development of new leaves. Unfortunately, such a scenario is rare. Most of the time only algae grow, which deprives the aquatic plant of light and nutrition, which leads to them withering away and dying.
How to prevent algae growth:
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Do not expose plants to excessive heat
- Use bubble snail as a natural algae killer
Note: The bladder snail can live in the small glass for a maximum of two to four weeks. In an aquarium with a volume of ten liters or more it has more space.
