Mayaca fluviatilis

Mayaca fluviatilis is a stem plant whose very fine, short and soft leaves are densely arranged along the stem, so that from a distance it looks like thin moss-covered twigs. Its light, fresh green color adds a soft texture to the aquarium. It depends on soft, acidic water; in hard, alkaline water it cannot take up iron, new leaves turn yellow and the plant gradually dies off. For this reason it does best in soft-water South American aquariums and on active substrates that acidify the water.

• Plant the stems in bunches of 5–7, 2–3 cm apart, 3 cm deep.
• Use it in the midground or in front of background plants.

• Light: Moderate; it grows denser under strong light.
• CO₂: Not required but beneficial.
• Water: Soft (GH 1–8), pH 5.0–7.0.
• Fertilizer: Regular iron supplementation is essential; iron deficiency shows up immediately as yellowing tips.
• Trimming: Cut from the top; replant the cut tips to make the group denser.