Water Onion Dwarf (Zephyranthes candida)
The Water Onion Dwarf (Zephyranthes candida), also known as the Dwarf Rain Lily, is a unique and charming aquatic plant perfect for adding subtle elegance to freshwater aquariums. This compact plant grows 6–10 inches tall and features slender, grass-like leaves with a distinctive bulbous base resembling a small onion. Ideal for midground or background placement, it’s a hardy, low-maintenance choice for beginners and experienced aquarists alike. Sold as a bare root plant, it adapts quickly to most aquarium setups, helping to create a natural, balanced ecosystem.
Benefits of Water Onion Dwarf Plant
-
Natural Filtration: Absorbs excess nitrates and phosphates, promoting cleaner, healthier water for fish and invertebrates.
-
Unique Aesthetic: The onion-like bulb and delicate leaves add visual interest and texture to aquascapes.
-
Low Maintenance: Thrives in a wide range of water conditions with minimal care, making it ideal for busy hobbyists.
-
Oxygenation: Releases oxygen into the water, supporting a thriving aquatic environment.
Care Instructions for Water Onion Dwarf
Lighting
Prefers moderate lighting. Too much light may encourage algae growth on the bulb, while low light can slow leaf development.
Water Conditions
Thrives in temperatures between 68°F – 82°F and a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5 – 7.5). Tolerates soft to moderately hard water.
Best Substrate
Plant the bulb in a sandy or fine-gravel substrate, leaving the top third exposed to prevent rot. Nutrient-rich substrates enhance growth.
CO2 Supplementation
Not required, but can promote fuller leaf growth. Suitable for low-tech setups.
Watering and Maintenance
Perform weekly 10-20% water changes to maintain water quality. Trim yellowing leaves gently to encourage new growth.
Propagation
Propagate by separating small offsets from the parent bulb. Replant offsets in substrate, ensuring the bulb base remains partially uncovered.
Why Choose Water Onion Dwarf Plant?
-
Compact and Versatile: Its modest size suits nano tanks and larger aquariums, fitting seamlessly into any aquascape design.
-
Bare Root Advantage: Easy to plant and establish without the risk of introducing pests or contaminants from potted plants.
-
Hardy and Resilient: Adapts well to fluctuating conditions, making it forgiving for beginners.
-
Year-Round Interest: May produce small white flowers above the water surface under optimal conditions.
Key Features of Water Onion Dwarf Plant
-
Bulb Growth Habit: The onion-like base stores nutrients, ensuring survival even in less-than-ideal conditions.
-
Graceful Foliage: Thin, arching leaves create gentle movement and a natural look in the aquarium.
-
Fish-Friendly: Provides shelter for shrimp and small fish while resisting nibbling from most species.
-
Slow to Moderate Growth: Requires less frequent trimming compared to fast-growing stem plants.
Note
Images are for reference only. Actual plants may vary in size, color, and appearance due to natural variations and seasonal changes.
At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.
Shipping Process:
- All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
- Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
- Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.
DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:
- If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
- Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
- For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
- Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow. Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable. They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.
Limitations and Responsibilities:
- The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
- Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
- Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
- It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.
Cancellation and Changes:
- Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.
Customer Support:
- If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].
By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.
Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.
We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.
Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.