Brazilian Waterweed

egeria densa

Also known as: ["Brazilian Elodea","Anacharis"]

Family: Hydrocharitaceae Genus: Egeria Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A submerged aquatic plant native to South America, often used in aquariums and water gardens.

Benefits & Perks

["fast growing","shade tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Genus: Egeria
Botanical Name: Egeria densa

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: aquarium, pond, or water garden
  • Suitable For:
    Indoor Plant Lovers Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–28°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–11"}
  • Misting: not required
  • Drainage: N/A
  • Soil Type: N/A
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks or as needed
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours per day. Can tolerate partial shade but thrives in well-lit conditions.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to intense light to avoid scorching. Place in a location with consistent light exposure, whether indoor or outdoor.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, decaying stems, or algae overgrowth indicate poor water conditions or stress.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Avoid direct harsh sunlight; ensure even light distribution; rotate the plant if in a container to promote balanced growth.

Watering

fully submerged in water

Ensure constant submersion; avoid letting any part of the plant dry out; maintain clean, nutrient-rich water.

Soil

not required, grows in water

pH: N/A

N/A

Temperature

Prefers temperatures between 20–28°C (68–82°F). Can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but thrives in warmer conditions.

Monitor water temperature; avoid extreme fluctuations; use a heater or cooler as needed.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks with liquid aquatic plant fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; fertilize during water changes; avoid over-fertilization.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Cut a healthy stem.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in water or substrate.
  4. Wait for roots to develop.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with bright indirect light.

Medium

Water or aquarium substrate

Hormone

Not necessary, but can be used to speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop within 1–2 weeks; new growth appears in 3–4 weeks.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, container, water or substrate

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; ensure adequate light.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Trim back overgrown stems; pinch tips to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead or decaying parts to keep the plant healthy.

Tools

Sharp scissors or pruning shears

Checklist

Check for dead or decaying parts; trim back overgrown stems; ensure cuts are clean.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

N/A

Pot Size

N/A

Method

N/A

Suggestions

Not applicable, as Egeria densa is an aquatic plant and does not require repotting in soil.

Checklist

N/A

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check water level daily; ensure full submersion; monitor water quality; maintain appropriate temperature.

How to Apply Water Properly

Place the plant in a container or pond where it is fully submerged. Ensure water circulation to prevent stagnation and provide nutrients. Maintain water temperature suitable for the plant’s growth.

Pro Tip: Use a water pump to keep water moving, which helps distribute nutrients and oxygen.
Watering Schedule Tips

Keep the plant fully submerged in water at all times, as it is a fully aquatic plant. Maintain water levels to cover the entire plant, especially the roots.

Soil Improvement

N/A

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or browning tips indicate temperature stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause the plant to become dormant or die if prolonged.

Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location or use a water heater to maintain optimal temperature. Ensure water is not exposed to freezing conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause the plant to wilt or develop brown spots, especially if water quality is poor.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, ensure water circulation, and maintain water quality to prevent heat stress.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer type; dilute correctly; apply during growing season; monitor plant response.

Fertilizing Method

Use liquid aquarium fertilizer added to the water every 2–4 weeks during the growing season. Reduce or stop fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Egeria densa are often indicative of nutrient deficiencies, particularly nitrogen or iron, or may result from environmental stressors such as excessive light or poor water quality.

Wilting in Egeria densa is typically caused by inadequate water uptake, often due to suboptimal water conditions or physical damage to the plant's vascular system, though it is less common in submerged aquatic environments.

Leaf spots on Egeria densa may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant structure.

Rotting in Egeria densa can occur due to bacterial or fungal infections, often exacerbated by poor water circulation or decaying organic matter, leading to tissue decay and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Egeria densa is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines. It is safe for cats to be around or ingest small amounts of this plant without causing toxicity.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Egeria densa is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines. It is generally safe for dogs to be around or ingest small amounts of this plant without adverse effects.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Egeria densa, commonly known as Brazilian waterweed, is not considered toxic to humans. It is widely used in aquariums and water gardens due to its aesthetic appeal and ability to oxygenate water. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with human consumption or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for human handling or proximity to this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Egeria densa invasive?

A: Yes, it is considered invasive in many regions outside its native habitat.

Q: Can Egeria densa grow in aquariums?

A: Yes, it is commonly used as an aquarium plant due to its hardiness and oxygenating properties.

Q: Does Egeria densa require special care?

A: No, it is very easy to care for and thrives in submerged conditions with minimal maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Care: very easy
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: fully submerged in water
Suitable For: ["indoor plant lovers","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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