Ottelia mesenterium

[ragn4rok]

Hi all,

I just get 4 of O. mesenterium. The leaves are extremely beautiful.. They look like a combination between Crinum calamistratum and Echinodorus sp. Anyone have tried this species before? Care to share experience? Thanks...







Regards,
Jeffrey

[medicineman]

I hope it is as easy as the alismoides (which grow huge, fast and flower frequently).

Good for a crinum look-alike.

[gchoo]

Jeff,

I'm amazed that you can get hold of this....EXtremely rare...and difficult to maintain ...let alone grow... I hear it needs a very low PH to survive. like 4

[Quixotic]

Hmm... low pH?

Is this http://www.mimbon.de/indo2007/image40.jpg the same plant? Been told that it is O. mesenterium which is endemic to the Malili Lakes in Sulawesi.

But... but... the pH readings of the lakes are between 7.4 and 8.2.

[ragn4rok]

Yes, I have read in the Kasselmann book also said it needs slighlty alkaline water... I think, it's the best companion for the sulawesi shrimps.. A very beautiful shrimp from Sulawesi.. both needs alkaline water pH 8.0...

Regards,
Jeffrey

[gchoo]

Apologies... you're right... my memory getting rusty...

[Quixotic]

Jeffery, how are they adapting in their new environment?

Do keep us updated on the progress as I am sure some would be interested in a biotope setup of the Sulawesi shrimps (if we can get our hands on this plant).

[leeruisheng]

The leaves structure bears some resemblance to subwassertang. Are the leaves brittle?

[ragn4rok]

Hi Quixotic,

I have sold all of them to my friends. I don't have any right now. But, one of my friend told me that the plants are just doin great, pearling already. He use a very high light setup with CO2 system, substrate: JBL AquaBasis and Dennerle. But still, they grow extremely slow.

Hi Lee,

The leaves are surprisingly strong like plastic..

Regards,
Jeff

nb. sorry for my English, not very fluent.