The aquatic plant commonly known as Anacharis (Egeria densa), is a popular and robust choice for freshwater aquariums and ponds. It is a stem plant prized for its dense, bright green foliage and ability to oxygenate the water column, making it an excellent addition for beginners. The plant naturally propagates through stem fragmentation, which simplifies creating new plants from cuttings and ensures a high success rate.
Selecting Healthy Cuttings
Successful propagation begins with identifying a vigorous parent stem. A healthy Egeria densa stem should exhibit a vibrant, uniform green coloration from tip to base, indicating active photosynthesis and nutrient absorption. Look for robust growth with leaves densely whorled around the stem, and avoid any portions showing signs of decay, such as browning or limp sections.
Preparing the parent plant requires a clean, precise cut to prevent damage that could introduce pathogens or crush the vascular tissue. Use sharp, clean scissors or a new razor blade to ensure a swift, neat severance of the stem. Crushing the stem inhibits its ability to heal and compromises the health of both the cutting and the remaining parent plant.
The Process of Dividing Stems
Once a healthy section is identified, the cutting process is straightforward. Egeria densa does not possess a crown or rhizome; propagation is achieved entirely by severing a portion of the main stem. New roots, known as adventitious roots, will readily emerge from the nodes, which are the joints on the stem where the leaves are attached.
A cutting length of approximately four to six inches is ideal to maximize new growth. Longer cuttings possess more stored energy and photosynthetic surface area, supporting faster initial establishment. When making the final cut, snip the stem just below a leaf node, as this area is primed to initiate root development.
Anchoring and Placement Methods
After dividing the stems, there are two primary approaches for establishing the new Anacharis cuttings. One common method is to anchor the base directly into the substrate, such as sand or fine gravel. To prevent floating, gently bury the bottom inch or two of the stem, ensuring lower leaves are removed to prevent rotting beneath the substrate line.
Alternatively, use specialized plant weights or lead ties wrapped gently around the base to hold the cutting in place. This technique is useful in tanks with fine or shallow substrate that cannot secure buoyant stems. A third option is to allow the cuttings to float freely until they develop a robust network of roots. Once roots are visible, the cutting can be planted in the substrate, where the new roots will help secure the plant.
Optimizing Conditions for New Growth
For newly propagated Egeria densa stems to thrive, several environmental factors must be maintained. The plant requires high light and flourishes best under moderate to bright illumination for at least eight hours daily. Optimal growth occurs in water temperatures between 60°F and 82°F, making it suitable for both tropical and colder water setups.
Although Anacharis absorbs nutrients efficiently from the water column, new cuttings benefit from nutrient support to fuel fast growth. Supplementing the water with a liquid aquatic plant fertilizer ensures a steady supply of micronutrients. Maintaining stable water parameters, particularly a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0, supports the young stems as they establish themselves.