Photo: i_c_riddell, CC BY 4.0, via iNaturalist
Ottelia ulvifolia
(Planch.) Walp.
—
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
low
CO₂ needs
21–30 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- background, midground
- Propagation
- seeds, separating offshoots
- Grows emersed
- no
In the wild
Overview
Its large, slightly translucent leaves are wavy, sometimes twisted, and recall the sea lettuce that inspired its name. The form known in aquariums often bears reddish-brown marbling or small lines on a light green background. This plant from Africa and Madagascar makes a focal point in a tall aquarium.
- Scientific name
- Ottelia ulvifolia (Planch.) Walp.
- Classification
- Alismatales › Hydrocharitaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, southern Africa, Madagascar region
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Allow plenty of room around the rosette, with strong light suited to its difficult growing. The leaves can grow large and do not suit a tight stand in a small tank. Propagation by seed is given. The different forms of the species do not all show exactly the same pattern.
Sources:Flowgrow GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth