SUIKEI GALLERY 3 “Beauty of Plant Cluster Seen in Iwagumi Layout””

Stem plants are not often used in Iwagumi layout. However, these plants are used to make a significant change to the aquascape by so-called “Sozo Haishoku” or to emphasize the perspective of the layout. Let’s have look at the beauty of plant clusters in Iwagumi layouts.

A. Beautiful Clusters of Stem Plants in Harmony with Hakkai Stones

Stem plants grown into a beautiful cluster wrap Hakkai stones from behind.
They are harmonizing well with rounded Hakkai stones.
Tank size: W180×D60×H60 (cm)
Shot on: August 2010
Main stem plants used: Hygrophila Polysperma / Rotala Rotundifolia / Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

B. Beautiful Clusters of Stem Plants to Enhance Manten Stones

Soft colors of Stem plants in the background match the earth color of Manten stones and enhance their presence.
Tank size: W90×D45×H45 (cm)
Shot on: December 2009
Main stem plants used: Myriophyllum mattogrossense (Green) / Rotala sp. ‘Ceylon’ / Ludwigia Arcuata / Rotala sp. Nanjenshan / Rotala macrandra ‘Green’ / Rotala rotundifolia (Green)

C. Bright Impression Created by Sozo Haishoku with Stem Plants

The Iwagumi layout as if to represent rough rock reefs by using Ryuoh stones now shows
a brighter and softer effect after the makeover by Sozo Haishoku with stem plants.
Tank size: W180×D60×H60 (cm)
Shot on: April 2005
Main stem plants used: Hemianthus micranthemoides /Micranthemum unbrosum / Rotala macrandra ‘Green’

D. Perspective Expressed by the effect of clumps of Stem Plants

Perspective is skillfully expressed by placing Ryuoh stones in the center to depict a
distant view of a mountain and having a clump of stem plants in front to depict a forest.
Tank size: W120×D45×H60 (cm)
Shot on: April 2010
Main stem plants used: Hygrophila Polysperma / Rotala Rotundifolia

Source and Copyright of the article/photos - Aqua Design Amano - ADA