Banana Plant, lat. Nymphoides aquatica- Nymphoides aquatica distribution
Family: Menyanthaceae;
Genus: Nymphoides;
Species and synonyms: Banana Plant (Nymphoides aquatica, Banana Plant, Big Floatingheart, Estrella de agua).
GBIF:
Banana Plant (lat. Nymphoides aquatica) is a species of aquatic plant from the family Menyanthaceae. One of the most unusual and popular aquarium plants, known as the "banana plant" due to its rhizomes.
Distribution. The natural range of the Banana Plant covers water bodies of the southeastern United States: Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas and other states, and is also found in Mexico and Cuba. The plant prefers stagnant or slow-flowing waters with sandy or muddy bottoms.
Care requirements. The Banana Plant is a relatively undemanding plant that can be grown both in aquariums and in paludariums. Optimal water parameters: temperature 22–28°C, pH 6.5–7.5, hardness 5–15 dGH. The plant prefers bright lighting (0.5–0.8 W/L) and nutritious substrate. CO2 injection is not required but accelerates growth. It grows up to 20–30 cm tall, floating leaves can reach 10 cm in diameter.
Planting and care. The most remarkable feature of the Banana Plant is its rhizomes, which look like small green bananas. When planting, the rhizomes should not be completely buried in the substrate — they should remain on the surface, with only the roots going into the substrate. The plant can be used both in the background and as a floating plant (floating leaves produce beautiful white flowers). To maintain plant health, weekly water changes of 20% and liquid fertilizer application are recommended.
Propagation. The Banana Plant is easily propagated vegetatively — new "bananas" with roots separate from the rhizome and can be planted as independent plants. It also reproduces by seeds (it may flower under favorable conditions).
Special features and use in aquascaping. The Banana Plant is one of the most original aquarium plants. Its unusual rhizomes attract attention, and its large floating leaves create an interesting visual effect. It looks good in aquariums with goldfish, which like to nibble on soft leaves of other plants but leave the Banana Plant alone. It is also an excellent plant for paludariums and open aquariums, where it can produce white or yellow flowers.