Potamogeton perfoliatus

There is conflicting information on the suitability of Potamogeton perfoliatus for the aquarium. According to Kasselmann (2010), the claspingleaf pondweed is only conditionally suitable as an aquarium plant, degenerates over time in the aquarium and forms longer internodes and narrower, shorter leaves.

The APC Plant Finder, on the other hand, describes P. perfoliatus as an easy aquarium plant, even suitable for beginners, which grows very quickly and needs no CO₂ fertilisation but good lighting. It is named there as an excellent candidate for aquariums with soil substrate according to the method of Diana Walstad and is also said to grow easily in a water container at a sunny window spot.

Also according to the APC Plant Finder, P. perfoliatus is a weed in the truest sense of the word, spreading quickly in the aquarium by means of its runners. Frequent cutting of the more vigorous shoots is therefore necessary. These can in turn be used as cuttings.

1. Kasselmann, C. (2010): Aquarienpflanzen. 3rd edition (German). - DATZ Aquarienbuch, Ulmer Verlag, Stuttgart: p. 486.
2. Potamogeton perfoliatus in the Plant Finder auf www.aquaticplantcentral.com (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=44, accessed 04 September 2013)

According to the APC Plant Finder, Potamogeton perfoliatus is an excellent green accent plant or also filler plant for the aquarium midground or background and, with its appearance, is particularly suited to natural-looking aquascapes. The emerald green, slightly translucent leaves are described as especially beautiful when they are covered with oxygen bubbles.

1. Potamogeton perfoliatus in the Plant Finder auf www.aquaticplantcentral.com (http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forumapc/plantfinder/details.php?id=44, accessed 04 September 2013)