Plant Profiles

Nelsonia canescens

Live freshwater plant Nelsonia canescens - Blue Pussyleaf for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Nelsonia canescens - Blue Pussyleaf. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Nelsonia canescens
Blue Pussyleaf
$16.95

Nelsonia canescens is a very uncommon aquatic plant species native to tropical regions of Australia, Africa and Asia. This vibrant green stem plant was previously called Nelsonia campestris. Belonging to the Acanthaceae family, it is closely related to both Staurogyne and Hygrophila species, and it grows quite similarly to these genera in the aquarium.

This species has oval leaves with a yellow-green colouration in the aquarium. The leaves typically range from 2 to 3 centimeters in length, although they can elongate to 6 centimeters under lower light conditions. These leaves will sometimes grow with ridges and grooves, which add quite an appealing texture to the aquarium, these generally appear on more mature leaves.

In most aquascaping situations, Nelsonia canescens can be utilised similarly to Hygrophila species, serving as a bushy midground to background element, with an upright growth pattern. Under high light setups however, it will grow with a creeping habit, and works well in the foreground like some Staurogyne species.

Nelsonia canescens is not overly demanding in terms of care in the aquarium. Optimal growth conditions include medium to strong lighting, a balanced supply of macro- and micronutrients, CO2 supplementation, and temperatures exceeding 20°C. It is not particularly fussy in regards to water hardness or pH.

Nelsonia canescens is a heavy root feeder like Staurogyne repens, so a nutritious substrate is appreciated, however it is not absolutely necessary. It is a moderately slow grower, and responds well to trimming if you are aiming for a bushy plant. Propagation of Nelsonia canescens is relatively straightforward and can be achieved through stem cuttings like many other aquatic plants. This plant offers an exciting native option for tropical tanks, and can also be used as a creeping plant in terrariums or vivariums, and around the edges of ponds in warmer regions.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
CoarseFine

Substrate nutrients:

Medium

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

Medium

CO2:

Medium

Height:

Medium

Growth rate:

Slow

Growth habit:

Stem

Creeping

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Native to: