Telanthera lilacina
Scientific name: Telanthera lilacina
Family: Amaranthaceae
Usual maximum size in aquariums: 27 - 41 cm (10.63 - 16.14 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7.1
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 14°N (89.29 - 250ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 26 °C (71.6 - 78.8°F)
Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings
Origin (in the wild): South America
How fast these plants grow: Normal
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Demands on lighting: Bright
Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background
Family
Amaranthaceae
Propagation
If grown emersed it will produce flowers and these can then be germinated to produce new plants. This rarely happens in the aquarium so the method of propagation is by taking cuttings. Break off the bottom two pairs of leaves to reveal a length of bare stem. This can now be placed carefully into the substrate taking care not to crush the stem. In a few weeks the cuttings will develop a root system to create new plants. Seeds collected can be set in pots as normal but the compost must be kept very moist for them to germinate.
Difficulty
Difficult
Short Description
This can be a tricky plant to keep long term in the aquarium as it is very demanding of nutrients and lighting. If given the correct lighting, the underside of the leaves will take on a reddish tinge and the plant will grow up to the water surface, sometimes it will even grow above. The substrate must be full of nutrients and a CO2 system will be required in the aquarium.