Growing Lizard's Tail (Saururus Cernuus) In The Aquarium

Lizard's Tail, Water-dragon, Swamp Root, Indian Root, Dragon Tail, Water-Snake Root, Saur Tail

The Lizard's Tail is a marsh plant that naturally grows in shallow bodies of standing or slowly moving water in the eastern part of North America. These are mainly ditches, swamps, ponds, streams, wetlands, and periodically flooded areas.

Vertical, fairly thick stems grow from the rhizome, on which single leaves develop, seated on fairly long petioles. The leaves are intensely green in color, heart-shaped, with clearly visible lighter veining. They often acquire a waxy luster when the plant is kept under optimal conditions.

The plant is best presented when planted singly on the sides or in the middle ground, between red plants. It also attracts attention when planted terraced or when it creates an aisle in a Dutch aquarium. To create an aisle, the tops of the plant should be pruned and planted from tallest to shortest, starting from the back of the aquarium.

This species is quite easy to cultivate, however, it grows slowly. The height of the plant depends strictly on the intensity of lighting. Weak - the plant grows upwards, strong - the plant remains low-growing. Carbon dioxide fertilizing is advisable for its cultivation. Its wide leaves can be attacked by algae and often get covered with suspended particles in the water - they should be regularly cleaned.

A seed species, which under aquarium conditions is propagated vegetatively - by dividing the rhizome or from cut stem cuttings. The cut stem cuttings should be left to float freely in the water. After about 14 days, they produce the first roots. After this period, they should be placed in sandy soil.