Ranunculus aquaticus (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Ranunculus aquaticus, commonly known as Water Crowfoot, is a delicate and attractive aquatic plant characterized by finely divided, feathery submerged leaves and floating leaves with small white flowers. It’s suitable for aquariums, ponds, or paludariums. Below is a concise care guide:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks of 10 gallons or larger; can also be grown in outdoor ponds.
• Lighting: Moderate to high; bright light supports healthy growth and flowering.
• Temperature: 15–25°C (59–77°F); prefers cooler water, making it ideal for temperate tanks.
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5; thrives in slightly acidic to neutral water.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH).
• Substrate: Nutrient-rich substrate; benefits from root tabs or liquid fertilizers for vigorous growth.
• Growth Rate: Moderate; pruning may be required to manage its spread.
• CO2 Requirement: Optional; can grow without CO2, but supplementation can enhance its growth and vibrancy.

Key Tips

• Ensure moderate water flow to mimic its natural habitat and prevent algae buildup.
• Regularly trim to prevent it from overtaking the tank or pond.
• Ideal for temperate or cooler aquariums, as it does not tolerate high water temperatures well.
• Can produce small white flowers when grown in optimal conditions with both submerged and emersed leaves.

Ranunculus aquaticus is a versatile and charming plant that adds texture and natural beauty to aquariums and ponds. With proper care, it will thrive and create a unique visual appeal in your aquatic setup.