 Anacharis,
also known as the Brazilian Waterweed, is an ideal aquatic
plant for the bowl. Light to bright green leaves, with branching
stems covered in small grouped leaflets. Anacharis anchors
itself in the substrate by sending out tendril like roots,
but will also grow just as well free floating. In fact it
may grow so well that it will require frequent pruning.
Works well as an algae fighter and nutrient sponge usually
at a very affordable price.
To the best of my knowledge there are at least
3 types of known (generic) anacharis.
- Elodea canadensis
- Egeria densa
- Hydrilla verticillata
 Hydrilla
and Egeria grow abundantly in many of the water ways of
some of the southern states causing major ecological and
water use problems. Millions of dollars have been spent
to control the growth of these plants, particularly in the
Carolinas and are illegal to import, sell and distribute
in South Carolina. Therefore I only recommend the use of
Elodea canadensis who's main difference to the others mentioned
is it's leaves in consistent whorls of 3.
 It's
very easy to get confused between Elodea canadensis and
Egeria densa since Egeria leaves in whorls of 3-4, so sometimes
what appears to be Elodea turns out to be Egeria after a
few months of growth. A more detailed description of the
Anacharis problem can be found here.
I have found some possible good sources of
Elodea canadensis at the end of this article and will do
my best to keep this list not only maintained but I plan
to test some of these sources as well and report in my findings.
 An
easy, beautiful plant for the bowl loaded with benefits
such as oxygenation, water cleaning through nutrient absorption
and excellent coverage for fish and shrimp to hide behind,
swim around and climb on. And it's probably one of the least
expensive plants available.
 Placing
your anacharis is easy and filled with options. To start
you could just take a small bit like this and place it in
your bowl. It will grow just as well floating as it does
placed in gravel.
  Almost
as easy is placing one end into a shell like this cowrie
and then dropping it into the water.
 In
less than a minute you can have a miniature forest for your
betta.
 Anacharis
cutting can also be placed directly into sand. Just clasp
the ends together as so.
 
-
Place the ends as deep into the
sand as possible and
-
adjust as needed
-
Roots will eventually form if the
plant is left undisturbed.
Top view of our newly planted anacharis
 Anacharis
clippings can also be left free floating. This does not
seem to hamper their growth at all though they will eventually
send tendril like roots such as the one seen here to try
and anchor to the bottom.
Elodea canadensis sources:
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