Plant Profiles

Philydrum lanuginosum

Live freshwater plant Philydrum lanuginosum - Woolly Frogmouth for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Philydrum lanuginosum - Woolly Frogmouth. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Philydrum lanuginosum
Woolly Frogmouth
$13.95

Philydrum lanuginosum, the Woolly Frogmouth, is a unique native plant which is the sole representative of its genus. This species can be grown underwater, as well as emerse as a marginal around ponds. It is named for its distinctive woolly flower spikes, which are covered in soft, downy hairs, giving them a fuzzy appearance.

In the aquarium, this species looks similar to Xyris smalliana, albeit taller. It grows with a similar flat form, and upright pointing, lance-shaped leaves. The plant's leaves grow in a flat rosette formation, arching gracefully outwards and upwards. The leaves of Philydrum lanuginosum have a fleshy or spongy texture and can reach up to 50 cm in height, though they tend to stay more compact under higher light conditions.

If left to breach the surface, it will produce stunning, bright yellow flowers on tall spikes. After a brief floating period, the seeds will sink and are able to germinate and grow underwater. In high light, this plant will grow with a yellow-orange colouration, particularly on the parts of the leaves closest to the light. In lower light, it will grow thinner, with a greener colour. Woolly Frogmouth will also propagate by clustering, growing daughter plants around the base which can then be detached and planted elsewhere.

Philydrum lanuginosum thrives under bright lighting and benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate. While it can adapt to a range of water conditions, it performs best in softer water below 7ºdKH with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It can be placed in the background or midground of your aquarium, where it will grow steadily upwards as it matures. Mature plants will generally point entirely upwards. This plant can be trimmed down to keep its size manageable, especially in smaller tanks.

Grown out of water, this species is less fussy, and is suitable for climates from Sydney, northwards. In ponds, it is best planted as a semi-submerged marginal.

Philydrum lanuginosum adds a unique native aesthetic to the aquarium, and makes for an interesting and colourful addition to biotope aquariums and high-tech aquascapes.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
FineCoarse 

Substrate nutrients:

High

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

Medium

CO2:

Medium

Height:

Tall

Growth rate:

Moderate

Growth habit:

Rosette

Difficulty:

Advanced

Native to: