Water plants on window cill

 We got some 'water' plants from Ikea that come in a clear plastic cup filled
with water.

Have put them in a south facing window, but the water turns green and algae
forms around the container.

We have been changing the water regularly, but they are just not happy and
looking in a sorry state.

Can they just not be kept like that?  Are we doing something wrong?

 On Tue, 5 Jul 2011 10:22:45 +0100, "john  brook"


I have no idea what these water plants are, but any water that has the
slightest trace of nutrients in it (even tap water), coupled with
vegetable matter such as your plant, will go green with algae in a few
days if it's in daylight. Algae are everywhere; they simple-celled
plants themselves and they are feeding on the nutrients in the water,
as plants do, and photosynthesising and multiplying in the light. It's
a common problem for people who have ponds, but on a rather larger
scale to yours. As you can't reduce the level of nutrients (unless you
use distilled water, or possibly water melted from the ice that builds
up as a crust in your freezer) the only other solution is to restrict
the light, i.e. put them in a less-well-lit place. Even that may not
work.

--
 
Chris

Gardening in West Cornwall overlooking the sea.
Mild, but very exposed to salt gales

 On Tue, 5 Jul 2011 10:22:45 +0100, "john  brook"


Algae needs light and the minerals in the water to grow and that's it!
Don't use an algaecide as it will kill plants as well. What you could
try is a few red ramshorn snails. They will eat the algae and add a
bit of interest. Most tropical fish shops will have some.

Steve

--
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