Description
The Delta arrowhead is an amphibious plant from southern U. S. and Central America which grows well under water. It develops a short, tuber-like rhizome. The ribbon-shaped, medium to dark green submerged leaves are much broader than those of Sagittaria subulata, about 1.5 to 2 cm wide and only 25 cm long. In the aquarium this arrowhead develops a rosette of spreading, arching leaves.
While it is very long known in the aquarium hobby, the Delta arrowhead is only occasionally available, however it deserves more attention in the aquascaping. With its low height it makes an interesting solitary or group plant in the midground, also in the foreground of higher tanks. Its broad, quite dark leaves contrast to e.g. ground cover plants with small, light green leaves. Sagittaria platyphylla grows relatively slowly and propagates rather seldom by its underground runners, making it easy to handle. Moreover, it is undemanding and has only a moderate need for light. Somewhat cooler temperatures between 18-26℃ and a nutrient-rich bottom are recommended.
In shallow water, nutritious substrate and with long-day lighting (more than 12 hours per day) Sagittaria platyphylla transfers into its emersed phase. Then it develops erect, long-stalked spoon-shaped aerial leaves and inflorescences which remain shorter than the leaves and produce white flowers.
Characteristic
Broad, ribbon-shaped leaves
Relatively low leaf rosette
Specimen oder group plant for the midground
Rather slow grower
Undemanding
Category
Middle Ground
