With the rush of Christmas over, take time to relax and spend time with children.
When they tire of games it is time to switch to “projects”. One that most children enjoy are Chinese fighting fish.
These fish do not fight but they can live in a small container and require little care. The water will need to be changed on occasion and the fish should be fed daily.
Start by gathering the materials. A large clear glass or plastic container with a 10-15 cm (four inches) opening on the top, clear plastic plant saucer that fits the opening, a plant, newspaper and a sharp pair of scissors or a knife.
While there other plants that will root and live in water spathophylum or patho vines tend to be easy to find and work well.
Start by removing all the soil from the roots of the plant. This is a slow process as care must be taken not to damage the roots.
First remove the pot and gently squeeze the rootball to loosen the soil.
Next dunk the root ball into water and swish it back and forth. The soil will begin to wash from the roots. Keep doing this until most of the soil is removed.
The water will need to be replaced when it becomes saturated with mud. It is best to strain the soil from the water before putting it down the sink or pour it outside.
When most of the soil has been removed, place the plant in the sink under warm, slow running water and wash away all the remaining soil.
Once the roots are clean remove all pieces that are ripped or broken with a sharp pair of scissors.
Place the roots in water before going on to the next task. Roots that are exposed to air, for any period of time, dry out and die.
Take the clear plastic saucer and cut an X in the centre. The cuts should measure approximately five cm in length.
The saucer supports the plant and keeps the greenery above the water with the roots in the water.
The plant will have to be treaded through the X or hole in the plastic saucer. The hole in the saucer will have sharp edges that will tear the plant. To avoid this problem, lay a piece of newspaper on a flat surface. Place the plant at a corner and tightly roll the plant in the paper forming a tight tube.
Take the tube with the top of the plant and work it through the bottom of the saucer until the area between the roots and top is at the saucer level.
Fill the clear container with room temperature water, leaving two cm at the top for air. Now place the plant and saucer in the container. If the plant leans to one side, place weight on the saucer to keep the plant in an upright position.
The project is just about complete but it should be left at this stage overnight as some soil particles will still fall from the roots.
The next day change the water if necessary and allow it to reach room temperature before adding the Chinese fighting fish.
Place the container and fish in an area out of direct sunlight. The plant will thrive in low light levels and the water will stay cleaner.
The fish will need to be fed daily and the water changed on occasion.
The fish and plant can both live and thrive with this arrangement for a couple of years.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist and educator living in Rocky Mountain House. You can contact her at your_garden@hotmail.com