I have a question concerning the Vesuvius sword plant.
My plants are sending forth numerous runners, and are a vibrant green. However several of the leaves do not twist much if at all. It seems that the straight leaves are considerably taller (reaching top of 75G aquarium) than the twisted counterparts.
Does this indicate something is lacking? Light levels too low? Nutrient deficiency?
I am a bit confused by this. Looking for advice.
Thank you!
Echinodorus vesuvius
This has been known to happen. I'm sure Cavan can correct me, but I believe the twisted leaves are a mutation of the normal look for this particular species of plant. Sometimes, for no particular reason, the plant reverts back to its straight-leaved version. In fact, some folks have selectively retain these versions in hopes of having a sword version of a Val, Cyperus, or similar "grassy" plant.
In short, it's nothing you're doing "wrong." Of course, if nearly all of the plantlets are straight versions, perhaps you can share your conditions so others can see if duplicating them would produce the same effect.
In short, it's nothing you're doing "wrong." Of course, if nearly all of the plantlets are straight versions, perhaps you can share your conditions so others can see if duplicating them would produce the same effect.
It looks like a healthy 1/3 of the new growth is straight leafed. the rest is staying twisted.
It looks like if a leaf is going to be straight, then every leaf growing from that 'node' will be straight as well. I will try to make a more detailed observation this weekend on whether once a node on a runner grows straight, if all of the nodes that grow farther down the runner will be straight as well. I have to do some maintenance on that tank anyways, so I will try to un-tangle the runners a bit and check it out.
I am just glad I am not screwing something up again!
Cavan: If you feel inclined, and have some spare time; I would like to learn more about the mutations...
It looks like if a leaf is going to be straight, then every leaf growing from that 'node' will be straight as well. I will try to make a more detailed observation this weekend on whether once a node on a runner grows straight, if all of the nodes that grow farther down the runner will be straight as well. I have to do some maintenance on that tank anyways, so I will try to un-tangle the runners a bit and check it out.
I am just glad I am not screwing something up again!
Cavan: If you feel inclined, and have some spare time; I would like to learn more about the mutations...
(Typing with pruned fingers)
I found that I had 2 decent sized 'mother' plants that were growing with straight leaves. I traced all of the runners back to the mother plants... Every plant growing from a node on a runner from each straight leafed mother plant was also straight. I did find four individual leaves that were attached to a twisted leaf mother plant that were also straight (two had very slight waviness).
I ended up pulling up the straight leafed mother plants with the runners still attached. I think I will move them into the 50G just to keep them separate and see if any more develop.
So if the twisted ones are a mutation, is it it's own species (E. augustfolia 'Vesuvius') or a v. vesuvius? What would the 'proper' name for the "normal" straight leafed plant be? I am just trying to get things right in my head...
I have no idea if there is a demand for them, but if anyone has a desire to have some of the straight leafed plants, feel free to PM me and I would be happy to share some plantlets.
I found that I had 2 decent sized 'mother' plants that were growing with straight leaves. I traced all of the runners back to the mother plants... Every plant growing from a node on a runner from each straight leafed mother plant was also straight. I did find four individual leaves that were attached to a twisted leaf mother plant that were also straight (two had very slight waviness).
I ended up pulling up the straight leafed mother plants with the runners still attached. I think I will move them into the 50G just to keep them separate and see if any more develop.
So if the twisted ones are a mutation, is it it's own species (E. augustfolia 'Vesuvius') or a v. vesuvius? What would the 'proper' name for the "normal" straight leafed plant be? I am just trying to get things right in my head...
I have no idea if there is a demand for them, but if anyone has a desire to have some of the straight leafed plants, feel free to PM me and I would be happy to share some plantlets.
