Vodokras

2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38

Vodokras (lat. Hydrocharis) Is a perennial aquatic plant of the Vodokrasovye family. The plant is popularly called the frog plant. Under natural conditions, vodokras is widespread in Western and Eastern Europe, North America, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, China and the European part of Russia. The plant inhabits grooves, ponds, quiet backwaters, lakes, river oxbows, as well as coastal areas.

Characteristics of culture

Vodokras is an aquatic plant that grows due to the formation of arrays of floating rosettes, which are connected by antennae. The leaves of the plant are small, broadly ovate or round, green; visually similar to the leaves of water lilies, but smaller in size. Most of the leaves of the water paint float on the surface of the water, and some are located under it. With the onset of cold weather, the leaves die off and appear again in a warm spring.

Vodokras bloom takes place in June - August. The flowers of the plant are white with three petals and bright yellow stamens, rise above the water surface by about 3-5 cm. The flowers are not tied to the fruits. The root system of vodokras is powerful, branched, but the roots do not reach the bottom, and stay afloat in the water column. The plant hibernates in the form of resting buds at the bottom of the reservoir, with the onset of warmth they rise to the surface and begin their development.

Growing conditions

Vodokras is not a demanding plant, it grows well both in shaded and well-lit areas. It develops well in stagnant and slowly flowing water. The only condition for growing beautiful and healthy vodokras: reservoirs enriched with minerals.

Reproduction

Vodokras reproduce in two ways: by buds and by dividing shoots. The second method is more laborious, but an experienced gardener can do it. The division of the water color is carried out in March-April.

Care

Vodokras do not require special care. Restrict plant growth if necessary. Since vodokras is a frost-resistant crop, it does not need shelter for the winter. But some gardeners still choose several buds from the reservoir, which they place in a jar of silt and put in a cool place. In the spring, the buds are lowered to the surface of the reservoir and they begin to grow actively.

Application

Vodokras will decorate any artificial pond or stream located in a summer cottage or garden area. Due to the fact that the plant is not aggressive or demanding, and grows very slowly, it is ideal for decorating tiny ponds. Vodokras are prized not only for their attractiveness, but also for their wonderful ability to purify water and prevent algae formation. It should be noted that plants grow best in natural reservoirs, because it is in these waters that there is a huge amount of nutrients necessary for the normal development and growth of vodokras.