Plants Vodokras: full description, types, cultivation, application

The article presents Vodokras plants: description, types, peculiarities of cultivation, reproduction, medicinal properties, application in landscape design.

This perennial plant that lives in a reservoir and looks like a water lily is also known as a house plant, that is, it can take root in an artificial environment. Despite its resemblance to a water lily, the water color still has its own significant differences.

The Greek name for the flower tells us about the water color, as a plant that can decorate the water surface. Indeed, this unpretentious delicate plant is actively used by landscape designers for various artificial reservoirs.

Vodokras: basic information

Vodokras

The Greek name for the flower tells us about the water color, as a plant that can decorate the water surface. Indeed, this unpretentious delicate plant of the Vodokrasovye family is actively used by landscape designers for various artificial reservoirs.

This plant has only 3 varieties, and all of them are actively used to decorate water.
It is also called frog vodokras, paddling, frog or toad.

Looking at vodokras, a water lily immediately comes to mind, however, it is larger in size. Leaves with long petioles in a rosette flaunt on a short stem of vodokras, and a peduncle with a small flower emerges from the place of growth of a leaf petiole.

If we talk about the length of the plant, then it should be noted right away that it consists of several lengths:

- underwater part (rhizome and stem);
- the upper part (leaves and flowers with antennae).

The total average plant length is 0.5 meters.

The root system of the toad consists of densely spaced bunches located in the water. The roots do not reach the bottom and therefore cannot take root. It turns out that water is the source of obtaining all the substances necessary for life support for this plant. The roots of the toad are covered with villi that trap air. That is why the flowers of the water color do not drown, but are on the water surface.

The toad leaves have a round, heart-like shape. In color, the leaves have a varied color - from light to dense green.
The size of the leaves is approximately 3 × 6 cm. The leaf blade is with a cut, which gives it a shape and helps to stay on the water surface. The waxy surface of the plant in good lighting gives colorful play

Vodokras pleases with its small flowers since July. They are located near the base of the leaves and, as it were, protrude out of the water and spy on what is happening.
The flowers can be compared to a chamomile: a yellow center, a circle and white petals gathered in a circle, only the number of petals in the water paint is much less.
Each flower soon loses its bright appearance, literally 3-4 days and fades away. Immediately, a fallen flower replaces a new one, and the impression of an incessant riot of colors is created.

Fruits are very rare due to the location of the male and female inflorescences (they are located on different pedicels).
When the plant fades, with the help of the whiskers that have appeared, the plant, as it were, brings the flowers closer to each other for reproduction.

Where Vodokras grows

Vodokras

For frogs, the favorite growing places are stagnant bodies of water or places with a small flow of water. Unpretentious bushes fill the coastal part of the reservoirs. They grow well in the northern or subtropical zone.

Places of growth of vodokras:
- any part of the European Plain;
- the western part of China;
- Kazakhstan;
- Primorsky Krai;
- the northern part of Asia.

In our country, the frog plant is found in the west in Siberia and in Primorye.

What types of vodokras plants have, their life cycle

It is known about two varieties of this plant - about the ordinary water color.

Plants Vodokras

and a dubious frog.

And in Belarus you can find another species called "toad".

The frog, swimming like a family in several bushes, also clings to its "relatives" with its antennae. If the plant likes the place, it often produces flowers with new shoots and new bushes. When a young bush grows, it becomes independent, separating from the main mother bush and clinging to other individuals.
In autumn, vodokras, giving new thin long shoots-flagella, forms buds on them. By the first frost, the shoots go down the water surface to wait out the cold. Bushes shed their leaves and seem to freeze until spring.

In spring, shoots filled with oxygen are drawn to the surface of the water surface. This is a period of active growth, when, together with new shoots, the plant blooms magnificently. The flowering period lasts on average until October, and again - a new development cycle.

Is it possible to grow water paint at home

The frog plant is suitable for growing both in a natural area and in an artificial reservoir. Due to its unpretentiousness, standing water is an acceptable condition for life for vodokras. To settle a paddling pool in an artificial reservoir, it is enough to pluck several buds from the plant in the fall or buy them in a special store.

Next, dip the bud or outlet into the water and follow the rules for caring for the plant. The depth in the reservoir must be maintained at 0.5-1.5 meters. If you plan to root the water stain, then it should be planted at a depth of 0.3 meters.

Now let's talk about growing water paint in aquariums. First, it is possible! And secondly, follow the rules. They are as follows:

- warm (20-30 ° С), clean water is required;
- get ready for the regular replacement of 1/3 of the water, since the plant simply does not tolerate stagnant water (you will have to change the water 3 or more times a week);
- it is necessary to monitor the quality of water: hardness (not higher than 12), acidity (6-7 pH);
- it is important when leaving to remember about good illumination so that the light reaches the plant for at least 12 hours (however, partial shading is not an obstacle);
- in case of insufficient natural light, the frog can be provided with light in an artificial way;
- the duckweed can maintain cleanliness in your reservoir, especially with water-paint it gets along well;
- due to the rapid reproduction of the frog, for the aquarium it is regularly pruned, at the same time, cutting off the spread antennae and flower rosettes.

The most important condition for proper care of water-paint is to keep it from harmful insects by regularly examining the leaves. Mindfulness and regularity are the keys to solving this problem.

About the reproduction of frog

This plant propagates in two ways: by dividing the stems and germinating mature buds.
The second breeding method is practiced in the spring, but preparation begins in the fall. It is in the fall that mature buds of vodka are collected in order to leave them in the water for the winter.In spring, as soon as it gets warmer, the buds are placed in a permanent place of plant growth with an optimal temperature regime.

The plant is generous with a mustache, which is carefully cut and lowered into the water. Often, especially for an artificial environment, the division of the bush is used to reproduce the frog. In April days, the bushes are divided into parts and planted separately. If the optimal growing conditions are met, the bushes take root with lightning speed and give young shoots.

Winter hardiness of water paint, methods of transfer to other habitats

This perennial warmth-loving plant renews itself annually. Despite the fact that vodokras does not tolerate low temperatures, it hibernates at the bottom of the reservoir, or rather, the buds of the plant go down. To artificially maintain optimal wintering conditions, the buds are placed in home aquariums.

Even before the onset of cold weather, the frog plant throws off the leaves while the petioles die off. By September, the plant has formed many winter buds, packed in scaly leaves. Even before the onset of winter cold weather, they lie at the bottom of reservoirs and wait for the spring heat. In the spring, with the help of the formed air cavities, each bud floats up and young leaves unfold on the surface of the water.

Interestingly, the frog plant is transferred to other habitats with the help of birds and animals. Its winter buds are surrounded by a sticky lubricant (almost glue), thanks to which they stick to bird legs and to the fur surface of animals.

Secrets for the care of vodokras

If you have a small artificial pond, then it is impractical to plant water paint here, since it grows very quickly. It is best used for decorative purposes for large bodies of water. Otherwise, in addition to filling everything around, it will also evict other inhabitants of the reservoir.

In the case of a small body of water, the leaves are often cut off and the shoots are removed.

If the plant needs to grow quickly, it is fertilized with urea.

If you've just bought frog buds, don't rush to put them in water right away. First, carefully examine them for the presence of all sorts of harmful insects.

Before planting vodokras, carefully remove dry parts of roots and shoots together with unhealthy areas, disinfect in a special tool. This preventive action will help prevent pests and unhealthy substances from entering the water.

At home, already in September, the amount of light is gradually reduced to the vodokras, since at this time it begins to gradually enter into sleep mode. This will allow the plant to carefully prepare for winter.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to grow frogs in aquarium conditions throughout the year. In this case, the lighting level should remain constant and the same. You should know that under such conditions, one individual lives for a shorter period.

The frog will decorate any aquarium, but if it lacks food and lighting, it will be less bright with faded dark leaves. To preserve the duration of flowering, the paddling pool should be given special feeding on a regular basis. You can use granular or liquid special feed. They will strengthen and nourish not only vodokras, but also other inhabitants of the reservoir. And you don't have to worry about the safety of the inhabitants of the reservoir.

It is important to add that the frog itself is a breeding ground for many of the fish in the aquarium. It follows from this that, before starting a paddling pool, you need to find out with accuracy everything about the inhabitants of this reservoir.

For frogs, the purest filtered water is preferable. The presence of any impurities can lead to dark spots or even the death of the water color. Change the water immediately.

To avoid problems, a third of the water must be replaced with fresh water every day. Stagnant water must be completely changed.

In case of darkening of the leaves, in addition to replacing the water, they get rid of dry or diseased petioles, leaving only healthy parts of the plant.

Vodokras is renewed and grows with lightning speed, therefore, strong pruning, while the root system is preserved, will not harm it. The plant quickly regains its former shape.

About diseases and pests of water paint

Vodokras is quite unpretentious and is able to withstand various conditions. But it is still susceptible to attack by pests, such as snails. At first glance, a simple and harmless snail easily destroys the root system, which, of course, affects the appearance of the plant. It is important to immediately remove the snails from the plant, otherwise it will die.

Also, the frog is susceptible to attack by putrefactive organisms. So that rot does not destroy the plant, it is important to rid it of diseased parts in time.

About chemical composition

Little is known about the chemical composition of the plant: an important discovery is the presence of sedative substances in the water coat. These substances are flavonoids. Also, the stems of the water color are saturated with anthocyanins and leukoanthocyanins - substances with antioxidant effects on human health.

You should know that the paddling pool carries out the accumulation of radioisotopes. In this regard, for harvesting the plant is best taken in areas free from radiation.

It has been proven that the chemical composition of the water color is not so unambiguous for the use of this plant in medicine. Due to the presence of poisonous substances in it, it is worth using it in pharmaceuticals only, taking into account the side effects and limiting its use.

More about the medicinal properties and dangers of water paint

First, vodokras is not a medicinal plant. True, traditional medicine uses it as part of some medicinal preparations.

The main effect of this plant on the human body is a calming and sedative effect. The frog works on the brain and eliminates anxiety and excessive activity.

The sedation of the plant is expressed in a hypnotic effect.

Traditional medicine uses water paint for the following violations:

- disturbance of the sleep cycle, insomnia, restless sleep, nightmares;
- neurasthenia;
- sexual hyperactivity in men (with excessive sexual desire in men;
- pain during intercourse in men;
- the presence of uncontrolled orgasms (wet dreams) in a woman.

Vodokras is used in gynecology (therapy of thrush, inflammatory pathologies of the genital organ). Also, the paddling pool treats skin abrasions and diaper rash, with its help, blood pressure is normalized.
One of the harmful properties of a plant with prolonged use is a stable lowering of the upper (blood) pressure, which can negatively affect human health.

On the use of a plant for decorative purposes

Vodokras is simply created for artificial reservoirs. It grows very quickly and creates a dense layer on the water surface, which means a shade dam for aquatic inhabitants. Such a damper maintains the temperature of the water and nutrients.

Frogs, like other aquatic plants, absorb excess nutrients from water bodies.
And in the wild, the plant itself is a breeding ground for the inhabitants inhabiting the reservoirs.
Vodokras does not allow the growth of algae in both natural and artificial reservoirs and aquariums.

Vodokras: landscape design in a pond and in an aquarium

Vodokras is a bright beautiful plant with small flowers and decorative bushes. Landscaping designers actively use this unpretentious delicate plant of the Vodokrasovye family to design reservoirs and aquariums of various sizes.

Basically, the plant doesn't pose many problems. In the spring, it is planted in a place of constant growth and vital activity, and in July it will be possible to enjoy the beautiful snow-white flowers that have appeared.

For aquariums, the frog plant definitely adds its own unique flavor.By placing its dense green leaves on the surface of the water, the plant causes natural darkening of all inhabitants of the aquarium. And the roots in due time create a protected space for the fry.

There are no problems with reproduction for vodokras, especially while maintaining optimal conditions. Making out an artificial reservoir with water paint, you need to provide the desired temperature and lighting. In the absence of other flora and fauna, the water coat must be regularly fed with urea or liquid fertilizer.

How to collect and store. The best recipes with vodokras

When collecting medicinal water paint, leaves are needed at the time of flowering. They can be collected with a net. In order for the plant to survive and the harvest does not affect the population, several bushes should be left in the water.

To eliminate excess moisture, the plants are dried, placing them in thin layers in a ventilated room, in the shade. It is good to regularly turn the leaves, and they will very soon become completely dry.
Then the leaves are sent to a special dryer or to a sunny place (windowsill, loggia, attic). Next, the dried foliage is placed in a paper box or bag.

The only way to use frogs is with an aqueous solution. It is prepared as follows: 1 tablespoon of leaves is poured with 1 glass of boiling water, infused for several hours. Such an infusion is used in folk medicine for neuropsychiatric disorders. It is used 3 times a day for 3 tablespoons.

In some folk, full-time crushed greens should be applied to the affected skin areas, it is possible in the form of a compress to a sore spot. It is necessary to renew the dressings with water-paint three times a day. Be healthy!

About contraindications

The use of vodokras for medicinal purposes should be done carefully, taking into account health restrictions. This is due to the substances contained in the plant that can lead to allergies.
Also, frog is contraindicated for hypotensive patients, as it causes a decrease in blood pressure.

It is necessary to use vodokras with caution for people with various intestinal inflammations.
The plant has no medical tests and confirmations, so its application must be very careful.

We cannot speak with confidence about the side effects of vodokras, since they have not been studied. From experience it became known about the consequences of excessive use of this plant. These are drowsiness, depression, low blood pressure.

Some more interesting facts about vodokras

It is interesting that all the names of this plant reflect something of the properties of its "character".
"Vodokras" indicates bright external data, decorativeness.

The names "Frog" and "Frog" speak about the property of a plant to accumulate these animals around itself. They like to sit or jump on the leaves of the plant, which often form whole canvases.
In Belarus, one of the names of the plant - "zhabnik" was used to reflect the symbol of the city of Zhabinka, where this plant is very common.

In the literature, there is information about the use of the plant "toad" in folk medicine. The famous British writer mentioned in her work about the toad as a cure for skin lesions.
There is another uncommon name for vodokras - "vodozhil", based on the ability to purify water from algal plants.

Inhabitants of North America call vodokras "European frog". The name is associated with the plant's ability to grow rapidly and braid human legs in water.

Interesting, delicate and beautiful vodokras - besides, it is unpretentious for cultivation. Its positive properties have not yet been officially recognized as medicinal. But its decorativeness and unpretentiousness have long been appreciated by landscape designers - both professionals and beginners.

Vodokras