Oenanthe javanica, or Water Celery, is an amazing vivarium plant that is becoming increasingly popular as a beginner-friendly aquatic-terrestrial plant due to its ease of care.
Its slow-growing nature and easy-to-maintain shape make it ideal for adding aesthetics to your terrarium landscapes.
From its beautiful emerald green to subtle hints of purples, reds, and yellows, Oenanthe javanica makes a wonderful addition to any mid to low-tech setup.
Quick Stats:
Scientific Name: Oenanthe javanica
Family: Apiaceae
Common Names: Water Celery, Celery Water Plant
Habitat: Shallow, warm water
Height: Up to 5 inches
PH Range: 6.5 to 7.5
Temperature: 65°F to 80°F
What Is Water Celery?
Oenanthe javanica is an aquatic-terrestrial plant that is native to parts of Southeast Asia, India, China, and Nepal.
It is known for its robust emerald-green leaves and its slow-growing nature.
It’s an effective stabilizer of water around aquatic plants and a great midground accent plant.
Water Celery Facts
Oenanthe javanica is an excellent plant for vivariums with animals.
It provides a natural hiding spot and general security for those who can adapt to its environment.
This plant also helps reduce algae growth due to the amount of oxygen it produces from the roots.
Description
A distinctive attribute of Oenanthe javanica is its jagged edges that form along the leaf margins. These jagged edges may vary from pointy to rounded and are a great way to identify this plant.
To the touch, the leaves feel like a cross between a hard and fleshy texture with a top glossy layer.
Along with the emerald-colored leaves, an array of subtle purples, reds, and yellows will form in the undersides or tips of the leaves when the plant is well-acclimated to the environment.
Habitat
Oenanthe javanica is a plant that is perfectly at home in warm, shallow water with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range.
When looking for ideal habitats, it grows very well in places that accumulate a decent amount of sunlight with a small amount of shade.
pH Preference
For optimal growth, Oenanthe javanica should be kept at a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 with a soft, slightly acidic substrate.
A small amount of acidity helps bring out the color in the leaves, making them look much more vibrant.
Vivarium Type
Water Celery is quite an easy-going species. With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in. It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs. The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant. Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
This plant can be grown completely submerged or completely emergent depending on your desired look.
The only drawback to being completely submerged is that it can create an unhealthy environment for the fish and aquafauna.
Instead, use it as a midground plant in your vivarium, allowing the roots to remain submerged and the stems to remain floating above the water line to maintain a natural look.
Substrate
Oenanthe javanica is a very low-maintenance plant and does not require a strict substrate.
Any standard aquatic soil or substrate will work, but it is best to use soft, slightly acidic soil to bring out vibrant colors.
Lighting
Oenanthe javanica requires medium to bright lighting and will generally take up more light in its aquatic stage than in its terrestrial stage.
This plant loves being in direct exposure to light and can take a good amount of light intensity compared to other plants.
Buy Water Celery
When buying Water Celery, there are a few things to keep in mind. Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond. Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to learn more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Water Celery Care & Propagation
Propagation of Oenanthe javanica is very easy and can be done by either cutting the stems or dividing the potted plants.
In order to propagate the plants successfully, make sure that the plants have rooted.
How To Grow
Oenanthe javanica is an easy plant to care for and grow in your vivarium. To start, make sure it is placed in an area in the tank where it will be able to receive an ample amount of light.
It is important to ensure that your soil substrate is moist but not oversaturated. If the soil is oversaturated it can lead to root rot and other issues.
If grown in an aquatic environment, water quality is very important in keeping a healthy plant.
Water Requirements
Since Oenanthe javanica is an aquatic-terrestrial plant, it should be watered in two different ways.
The submerged roots should be kept in slightly acidic water with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5 and a water temperature of 65°F to 80°F.
The terrestrial parts should be sprayed with water or misted a couple of times a day.
Plants Similar To Water Celery
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup. Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Water Celery hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this aquarium plant… Here are other pond plants you might see will do well with or in place of Oenanthe javanica:
Conclusion
Oenanthe javanica is an incredible plant for one’s vivarium. Its vibrant colors and low-maintenance nature make it perfect for both beginners and experts alike.
With proper care and understanding of the plant’s needs, Water Celery can make a lasting impact on your vivarium’s landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oenanthe Javanica can be used for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes. For medicinal purposes, it can be used to treat digestive issues, headaches, inflammation, colds, and fevers. For culinary purposes, it can be used as a flavorful addition to soups, stews, salads, and other dishes.
Oenanthe Javanica can also be used as a decorative plant in a vivarium. It is a great choice for adding ground cover and providing hiding spots for amphibians, reptiles, and other small animals. It is also known for its resilience and adaptability, making it a great choice for many vivariums.
No, Water Celery (Oenanthe javanica) is not the same as celery (Apium graveolens). Water Celery is a type of aquatic plant that grows in shallow, marshy areas and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Celery is an edible vegetable that is commonly used as a garnish or in salads.
Yes, Water Celery (Oenanthe javanica) is a hardy plant, capable of surviving and growing in a range of climates and temperatures.
No, water celery (Oenanthe javanica) is not considered an invasive species.