Unusual Leaves

[scientist0724]

So at the last auction I picked up some Sagittaria filiformis. It has been growing very well in my tank.

However, recently I've noticed that there are some new leaves that are growing differently from most leaves. These new leaves are growing more tapered and longer, and at the end, there is a long, oblong growth.

Up close of the end of a leaf

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Is this normal for this plant?

Arlene

[Jt731]

https://www1.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/featur ... formis.pdf

Sounds submerged versus emerged growth

[scientist0724]

Hmmmm...so I guess that these leaves will eventually hit the surface and then possibly some flowers will form?

Arlene

[Jt731]

Well, this is what the flower would look like


The thing to always remember when buying a plant at auction is that is what the plant looked like growing in their tank (or not even in water). New growth sometimes won't be any different, but often times it is the plant adapting to your conditions. I have water wisteria which I like to move around in my tanks just to see how the leaves will change depending on co2, lighting, substrate, and depth (I guess that is lighting) and it's amazing how much the leaf size and width will change

[scientist0724]

Pretty! I can't wait!

I've had S. sagittaria bloom in my tank earlier this year, so S. filiformis flowers will be exciting!

Arlene

[SCMurphy]

Those are the leaves that distinguish it from S. subulata. They usually grow out of the water. It had those leaves when I collected it.

[scientist0724]

Thanks Sean! I've also noticed that the S. filimormis is a little taller and a little more lighter green than S. subulata.

Arlene

[scientist0724]

I guess that my S. filiformis is happy, because it's starting to send up a flower stalk!

Flower stalk

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Arlene

[Judi]

Cool!