Guadalupe naiad

najas guadalupensis

Also known as: ["Guadalupe water nymph","Guadalupe naiad"]

Family: Najadaceae Genus: Najas Category: Herbs & Weeds

Overview

A submerged aquatic plant with delicate, thread-like leaves, native to North America.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Najadaceae
Genus: Najas
Botanical Name: Najas guadalupensis

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Herbs & Weeds
  • Suitable Location: aquariums, ponds, or slow-moving freshwater habitats
  • Suitable For:
    Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"6–11"}
  • Misting: not applicable
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, but generally every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on removing dead or overgrown parts.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, indirect light for 6–8 hours daily. Can tolerate partial shade but may grow leggy in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to brighter light gradually to prevent scorching. For indoor placement, rotate the plant weekly for even growth.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth may indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Avoid direct afternoon sun; provide dappled light in summer; increase light exposure slowly.

Watering

daily in submerged aquatic environments

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.

Soil

not applicable, grows fully submerged

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; test pH periodically.

Temperature

Prefers temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C). Tolerates slight fluctuations but avoids extremes.

Protect from drafts; maintain stable temperatures; adjust watering for heat/cold.

Fertilizing

rarely required in nutrient-rich water

Always dilute fertilizer; fertilize during active growth; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy stem cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in water or soil.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Water or a well-draining soil mix like peat and perlite.

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks in water; soil propagation may take slightly longer.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), container, water or soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; change water regularly if using water propagation; maintain humidity.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or branch junction.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or yellowing leaves, and encourage bushier growth.

Tools

Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger than the current one, with good drainage.

Method

Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, and water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the container.

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture before watering; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even saturation. Water deeply to encourage root growth, and always allow excess water to drain away. Water in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce fungal risk.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant's roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water consistently, ensuring the substrate remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Adjust frequency based on temperature and humidity; reduce in cooler months.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in cold; wilting or brown leaf tips in excessive heat.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or leaf discoloration.

Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location; insulate pots in cold weather; avoid drafty areas.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, leaf scorch, or wilting.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid contact with leaves; flush soil occasionally.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Najas guadalupensis can indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or may result from environmental stressors like excessive light or water conditions.

Wilting in Najas guadalupensis is typically caused by water stress, either due to insufficient water uptake or excessive water loss, often exacerbated by high temperatures or salinity.

Leaf spots in Najas guadalupensis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic areas on the leaves and potentially affecting photosynthesis.

Rotting in Najas guadalupensis is commonly associated with bacterial or fungal infections, often occurring in stagnant water conditions or due to physical damage to the plant tissues.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Najas guadalupensis is not known to be toxic to cats. It poses no significant health risks if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

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

Najas guadalupensis is not known to be toxic to dogs. It poses no significant health risks if ingested or handled.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

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

Najas guadalupensis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for handling and environmental use.

⚡ Toxic If:

not applicable

No specific safety precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Najas guadalupensis suitable for aquariums?

A: Yes, it can be used in aquariums but requires specific water conditions.

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, depending on water depth.

Q: Is it invasive?

A: It can become invasive in some aquatic environments if not managed properly.

Quick Reference
Family: Najadaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: daily in submerged aquatic env
Suitable For: ["outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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