The Kings Crown aquarium plant, Barclaya longifolia, is a distinctive and vibrant addition to freshwater aquatic setups. This sought-after plant brings natural beauty and vibrant color, with its striking foliage enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a planted tank.
Meet the Kings Crown Plant
The Kings Crown plant, Barclaya longifolia, belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family, which includes water lilies. Unlike most water lilies, Barclaya longifolia keeps all its foliage submerged, never producing floating leaves. Its leaves are typically elongated and lance-shaped with wavy margins, ranging from olive-green to rich reddish-brown or deep maroon, often displaying a reddish underside. While young plants might resemble Cryptocoryne species, Barclaya longifolia grows considerably larger, with leaves typically reaching 30 to 80 centimeters (11.8 to 31.5 inches) long, and sometimes even up to 81 cm (32 inches).
This plant originates from Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. It naturally thrives in slow-moving forest streams, shaded pools, and lowland floodplains where water is typically clear and soft. The plant often establishes itself in loamy substrates, which provide a rich base for its root development. Its unique ability to flower and set seed entirely underwater is a notable characteristic.
Essential Care Requirements
Cultivating Barclaya longifolia in an aquarium requires providing specific environmental conditions that mimic its natural habitat. Attention to lighting, nutrient availability, and water parameters ensures robust growth and vibrant coloration.
Lighting Needs
Barclaya longifolia benefits from medium to bright lighting conditions for optimal growth and coloration. Providing 8 to 10 hours of light daily is recommended. Under stronger light intensity and with sufficient iron, leaves develop a deeper burgundy or reddish-brown hue. In lower light environments, leaves tend to remain greener and may appear more elongated.
CO2 and Nutrient Support
Carbon dioxide (CO2) supplementation is not mandatory for Barclaya longifolia, but it significantly enhances growth, leaf density, and color vibrancy. A concentration of 10 to 40 mg/l of CO2 is beneficial for optimal photosynthesis.
A balanced fertilization regimen is also important. While it can absorb some nutrients from the water column, it greatly benefits from both liquid fertilizers and root tabs placed near its roots. Essential macro and micronutrients such as nitrate (10-50 mg/l), phosphate (0.1-3 mg/l), potassium (5-30 mg/l), and iron (0.01-0.5 mg/l) are necessary. Iron, in particular, contributes to rich red pigmentation in appropriate varieties.
Water Parameters
An optimal temperature range for the Kings Crown plant is 22 to 28°C (71.6 to 82.4°F), though it tolerates 18 to 30°C (64.4 to 86°F). The preferred pH level is slightly acidic to neutral, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
Barclaya longifolia prefers soft to moderately hard water, generally between 2 to 12 degrees of general hardness (dGH) or 2 to 20 degrees of carbonate hardness (dKH). Good water circulation within the aquarium is beneficial, preventing stagnation and ensuring proper nutrient distribution. Consistent water conditions prevent stress and promote the plant’s overall well-being.
Substrate Foundation
The Kings Crown plant is a bulbous plant (corm) that stores food reserves, making a nutrient-rich substrate important for its development. Aquatic soil or specialized planted tank substrates are highly recommended to provide necessary nutrients directly to its root system. A clay-based or loamy substrate is particularly beneficial, supporting strong root development and sustained growth.
While Barclaya longifolia can survive in less nutrient-dense substrates like gravel or sand, supplementing with root tabs is important in such setups. Root-fed plants, especially those with access to a rich substrate, tend to grow larger and more robust.
Planting and Ongoing Maintenance
Proper planting techniques and consistent maintenance are important for the long-term health and aesthetic appeal of Barclaya longifolia. Establishing the plant correctly helps it acclimate and thrive in the aquarium.
Initial Setup
When planting Barclaya longifolia, if it’s a bulb (corm), place it in the substrate so it is approximately half submerged and half exposed. For plants with established roots, bury only the roots, leaving the crown exposed to prevent rot.
This plant can grow to a significant size, so consider its mature dimensions when choosing a location. It is well-suited for midground or background placement, where its large, flowing leaves create a dramatic focal point. Providing ample space allows it to expand without overshadowing smaller neighboring plants.
Pruning Techniques
Regular pruning maintains the health, shape, and appearance of the Kings Crown plant. Periodically inspect and trim any dead, decaying, or damaged leaves. Removing older leaves helps prevent water quality degradation and redirects the plant’s energy towards new growth.
If the plant grows excessively large or blocks light from other inhabitants, selectively trim some larger, healthy leaves. This technique helps manage its size and prevents overcrowding within the aquascape.
Propagating Kings Crown
Propagating the Kings Crown plant allows aquarists to multiply their collection. Barclaya longifolia primarily propagates through seeds, though division of its rhizome is also viable.
Seed Propagation
The most productive method for propagating Barclaya longifolia is through seeds. Healthy plants regularly produce flower stalks that can reach the water surface, where flowers open and self-pollinate. Even submerged flowers can produce viable seeds. Once seeds develop, they are enclosed in a jelly-like substance within a pod.
Collect these seeds once the pod matures and starts to dissolve. After washing off the jelly-like coating, the thorny, brownish seeds can be sown in a calm tank with sandy substrate and direct light. Alternatively, seeds can be spread in a well-lit foreground area of a planted aquarium or in a dish outside the tank. Young plants will gradually emerge over several months.
Rhizome Division
Another method for propagation is through the division of the plant’s tuber or rhizome. Larger, mature plants may naturally form new growth points or “daughter bulbs” on the underside of their main tuber. These sections can be carefully separated from the parent plant using a sharp, sterilized blade. Each viable section, with its own growth point, can then be gently replanted into a nutrient-rich substrate to establish a new individual plant.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Barclaya longifolia can sometimes exhibit issues that indicate underlying problems in the aquarium environment. Recognizing these common problems helps aquarists provide timely solutions and maintain the plant’s health.
Melting Leaves
One frequent issue is the melting of leaves, particularly after introduction to a new tank or during transit. This “melt” is often a natural response to environmental changes or a temporary dormancy period. During dormancy, leaves may die back, but the rhizome remains viable and typically sprouts new leaves after a few weeks or months.
If melting occurs, avoid disturbing the plant’s rhizome and allow it time to recover naturally. Unstable water parameters can also contribute to melting and rotting, so maintaining consistent conditions is important.
Stunted Growth or Discoloration
Stunted growth or discoloration of leaves, such as leaves turning drab, bronze, or yellow, often points to deficiencies or inadequate conditions. Insufficient lighting can lead to slower growth and less vibrant leaf coloration, with leaves appearing greener in low light. A lack of CO2 supplementation can also limit growth and overall plant vigor.
Nutrient deficiencies, especially a lack of iron, can cause red varieties to lose their vibrant hues. Ensuring a balanced fertilization regimen, including root tabs and liquid fertilizers, helps address these issues.
Leaf Damage
Small holes appearing in the tender leaves of Barclaya longifolia can indicate the presence of snails, as these plants are particularly susceptible to snail damage. High oxygen levels have also been reported to cause leaf deterioration.