Waterthyme is a genus of aquatic plant, usually treated as containing just one species. The stems grow up to 1 to 2 m long. The leaves are arranged in whorls of two to eight around the stem, each leaf with serrations or small spines along the leaf margins; the leaf midrib is often reddish when fresh. It is monoecious (sometimes dioecious), with male and female flowers produced separately on a single plant; the flowers are small, with three sepals and three petals, the petals transparent with red streaks. It is native to the cool and warm waters of the Old World in Asia, Africa and Australia.
Water:
Waterthyme thrives in aquatic environments, showing resilience to varying water conditions. Native to tropical regions, it tolerates frequent submersion. For optimal growth, water weekly. As an indoor plant, waterthyme enhances aquariums with its lush greenery and oxygenating properties, making it decorative and functional.
Propagation:
Propagating waterthyme primarily involves fragmentation and division, requiring warm water (20-27°C or 68-80°F) and adequate light. Care should be taken to prevent its spread, as waterthyme can be invasive. The process is simple: cut a healthy stem with nodes and anchor in the substrate.
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