Floating Heart
Floating heart, or Nymphoides spp, is a prostrate aquatic plant, making it the perfect finishing touch for any aquarium or outdoor pond. Its long stalks have bright yellow blooms that float above the water with their heart-shaped leaves. At only three inches in height, it's small and compact, perfect for adding a touch of greenery to your environment, and their long and floody stems give the Floating Heart an unmistakably graceful look. They are easy to care for and require little maintenance and attention, making them a great choice for gardeners of any experience level!
Floating hearts need to be kept in moist, but well-drained soil. It will do fine with a regular, moderate watering schedule. However, it can survive on a less frequent schedule if the temperatures are low. Make sure to avoid over-watering to avoid drowning the roots.
Floating hearts prefer a moderate amount of light, but can do well in partial shade or sun. When the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves can become scorched and dry. In an outdoor setting, it is recommended to place the plant in a shaded spot in order to prevent it from becoming sunburned. If the plant is kept in an aquarium, make sure to provide enough light while avoiding direct sunlight.
Floating hearts prefer the temperatures to remain consistent between 18-21° Fahrenheit and 30-32° Celsius
Floating hearts do well in high humidity environments. The plant will prefer a humidity of around 75%. In order to maintain a humidity level of 75%, mist the plant once or twice a day or use a pebble tray with water underneath.
Floating hearts prefer a rich, well-draining soil. It is best to blend one part potting soil, one part topsoil, and one part sand. If the plant is kept in an aquarium, it is best to use an aquatic soil.
Fertilize Floating hearts once a month in the summer months. Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer, and dilute to half strength. Always avoid high nitrogen fertilizers as they can burn the roots and cause leaf yellowing.
Floating hearts are fairly resistant to pest infestations, but some pests can still be an issue. Common pests are aphids, mealybugs, and whiteflies. If a pest infestations does occur, it is best to remove the pests by hand or use a pesticide. Make sure to test the pesticide in a small area before applying it to the entire plant.
Floating hearts should be re-potted every two years when the roots have taken up all the space in the container. It is best to use a soil-based potting medium such as peat moss or perlite. Make sure to water the plant well after repotting.
Pruning will helpFloating hearts to keep growing and blooming. Prune the overall shape of the plant by cutting the stems back to the desired length. Once the desired length is achieved, fertilize the plant to encourage more blooms and growth.
Mulching will help to retain moisture and reduce weeds. Make sure to use a light layer of mulch around the base of the plant to protect the roots from extreme temperatures and extreme dryness.
Propagation is done by division. Divide the stems and roots of a mature plant and replant them in new containers with fresh soil. Cuttings can also be taken and placed in water to form new roots or planted directly into soil.
Floating hearts do not require any support, but if the stems become too long, they may need to be tied back to the pot or a stake. This will help the plant to remain upright and supported.
Floating hearts do not require a rest period, but it will benefit from a slow-down in growth during the winter months. During this time, reduce watering and fertilizing to allow the plant to focus its energy on recovery.
No, Floating hearts are not toxic to pets.
Air Plant
Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.) are epiphytic plants that grow without soil or roots connected to the ground. They typically attach to rocks, tree branche...
Aglaonema
Aglaonema is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. These evergreen perennials are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and...
Amaryllis
Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.) is a bulbous herbaceous perennial from the Amaryllidaceae family native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americ...
Asplenium
Asplenium is a genus of evergreen, perennial, and generally tropical or subtropical ferns, robust and lovely in appearance. These species thrive in va...
Azalea
Azaleas are part of the Rhododendron genus and are popular garden shrubs prized for their deep, often fragrant, showy flowers. They thrive in a moist,...
Ant Plant
Ant plants are a group of tropical and subtropical epiphytic plants found in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas that are named for and inhabited...