Isoetes duriei
Isoetes duriei · Isoetaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant isoetes duriei: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Durieu's Quillwort
- Family
- Isoetaceae
- Plant type
- Aquatic to semi-aquatic herbaceous plant
- Foliage
- Evergreen, basal rosette form
- Mature size
- 10 to 30 cm in height
- Natural habitat
- Wetlands, lakes and shallow watercourses in Europe
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, suited to temperate climates
- Growth rate
- Slow
Care
Light exposure
Isoetes duriei thrives in bright to partially shaded conditions. Place it at the edge of ponds or wetland areas where it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of daily light. Insufficient light will slow its growth.
Watering and aquatic environment
This plant is naturally semi-aquatic and requires constantly moist substrate, even partially submerged. In a pond, place it in shallow water (5 to 15 cm deep). Outside a pond, keep the soil moist without excessive waterlogging.
Substrate and soil
Choose a substrate rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral. A mixture of potting soil and sand works well. In a pond, use muddy substrate or special aquatic plant soil.
Fertilization
Isoetes duriei generally requires no regular fertilizer in natural or semi-natural conditions. If growth stalls, apply a light diluted aquatic plant fertilizer in spring, without overdoing it.
Pruning and maintenance
This plant requires no regular pruning. Simply remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain the rosette's appearance. Annual spring cleanup is sufficient.
Pests and diseases
Isoetes duriei is rarely affected by pests or diseases in optimal conditions. With prolonged excess moisture or stagnation, watch for algae growth or rot. Ensure good water circulation in your pond.
Did you know?
Quillworts are among the oldest vascular plants on Earth, appearing over 300 million years ago. These small aquatic herbaceous plants are the last living representatives of an evolutionary lineage that dominated Paleozoic ecosystems, making them remarkable living fossils for botanical science.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.