Abstract
Ornamental aquarium plants, particularly the genera Micranthemum and Cryptocoryne, are prized for enhancing aquascapes' aesthetics. However, they face challenges in propagation due to susceptibility to pests and complex cultivation requirements. This study aimed to develop in vitro propagation techniques for Micranthemum and Cryptocoryne spp. By using a 0.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for disinfection, we developed effective methods for establishing nematode-free cultures. For Micranthemum sp. 'Monte Carlo', the optimal condition for adventitious bud proliferation was 0.1 mg/L 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), while M. glomeratus showed optimal proliferation with plant growth regulator (PGR)-free media. Cryptocoryne sp. 'Flamingo' exhibited optimal proliferation when treated with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) at 4.0 or 6.0 mg/L combined with 0.1 mg/L NAA. For root formation, both Micranthemum sp. 'Monte Carlo' and M. glomeratus performed best in PGR-free conditions, while Cryptocoryne sp. 'Flamingo' achieved the highest root formation with 0.4 mg/L BAP and NAA-free media. During acclimatization, all three species showed a 100% survival rate across all tested substrates-silica sand, a mixture of aqua soil and silica sand, and exclusively aqua soil, with the latter outperforming others in promoting growth. This study presents robust in vitro propagation protocols that not only enhance the proliferation and growth of popular ornamental aquarium plants but also promise to mitigate the propagation challenges they face, contributing towards sustainable ornamental horticulture and reinforcing the ecological and aesthetic value of aquascaping.