Mayaca Vandelli

Mayaca Vandelli, also known as Stream Bogmoss, is a delicate and attractive freshwater aquarium plant characterized by its fine, bright green leaves and slender stems. Native to the slow-moving rivers and streams of South and Central America, this plant adds a soft, feathery texture to aquascapes, making it a popular choice among aquarists.

• Type: Stem plant
• Size: 6-24 inches tall
• Light: Moderate to high (6-10 hours daily)
• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand; nutrient-rich substrate beneficial
• CO2: Recommended for optimal growth
• Water Requirements: 73-82°F, pH 5.5-7.0, soft to moderately hard water
• Growth Rate: Fast

Mayaca Vandelli thrives in aquariums with moderate to high lighting, which helps maintain its vibrant green coloration and promotes healthy growth. While it can adapt to various water conditions, it prefers soft, slightly acidic water. Supplementing with CO2 and providing a nutrient-rich substrate can enhance its growth and overall health. Regular trimming is necessary to prevent it from becoming leggy and to encourage bushier growth. Propagating this plant is straightforward; simply take cuttings from healthy stems and replant them in the substrate.

In its natural habitat, Mayaca Vandelli is often found in blackwater streams with soft, acidic water. Its fine, feathery leaves provide excellent cover for small fish and invertebrates, making it a functional as well as an aesthetic addition to aquariums. Due to its fast growth rate, it can help in controlling nutrient levels and preventing algae growth when properly maintained.

Fun Fact: Mayaca Vandelli often develops pale shoot tips when there is an iron deficiency in the water, making it a natural indicator of iron levels in the aquarium and helping aquarists adjust their fertilization regimen accordingly.