Stuckenia filiformis
Stuckenia filiformis · Potamogetonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant stuckenia filiformis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Form
- Submerged aquatic plant
- Foliage
- Persistent, very fine and thread-like
- Adult size
- 20 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates cold water
- Origin
- Temperate zones of Eurasia and North America
- Natural habitat
- Lakes, ponds and shallow watercourses
Care
Light exposure
Thread-leaved pondweed needs good light to develop properly. Place the plant in a well-lit area of your pond, ideally receiving several hours of natural light each day. In an aquarium, lighting of 10 to 12 hours daily is recommended to promote photosynthesis.
Submersion and water circulation
This aquatic plant must remain completely submerged. Maintain cool, slightly flowing water if possible, as it thrives in well-oxygenated environments. For ponds, slight circulation or the use of a pump helps reproduce natural conditions and limits stagnation.
Substrate and rooting
Thread-leaved pondweed roots in silt or fine sand. Choose a light and nutrient-rich substrate, enriched with mineral elements. A layer of 5 to 10 cm of well-prepared substrate is generally sufficient to ensure anchorage and nutrient absorption.
Nutrient supply
Regularly supplement with liquid fertilizers specific to aquatic plants, particularly macro-nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium). Moderate and regular fertilization is preferable to large doses. Adjust amounts according to plant density and water quality.
Pruning and maintenance
Regular pruning of stems promotes branching and maintains the desired shape. Remove dead or damaged parts as soon as they appear. Light trimming every 4 to 6 weeks prevents overly dense and disorderly growth.
Pests and common problems
Thread-leaved pondweed is generally robust but can suffer from filamentous algae in stagnant or nutrient-rich water. Limit exposure to excessive direct sunlight and ensure good water circulation. Cloudy or greenish water indicates an imbalance to correct through partial water changes.
Did you know?
Thread-leaved pondweed, with its extremely fine and delicate leaves, is a key plant in temperate aquatic ecosystems, where it plays a crucial role in providing oxygen, food and shelter to numerous tiny aquatic organisms. Its scientific name Stuckenia honors German botanist Ernst Heinrich Friedrich Meyer, while its thread-like structure allows it a large contact surface with water to optimize gas and mineral exchange.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Stuckenia pectinataStuckenia pectinata
- Potamogeton perfoliatusPotamogeton perfoliatus
- Zannichellia palustrisZannichellia palustris
- Bog pondweedPotamogeton polygonifolius
- Potamogeton pusillusPotamogeton pusillus
- Potamogeton berchtoldiiPotamogeton berchtoldii
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.