2. Materials and methods
2.1. C. alternifolius and reactor system
C. alternifolius, better known as the umbrella plant is a very pop- ular house plant and commonly grown as a marginal pond plant. Growing to a height of 60 cm (24 in), the bracts are symmetrically arranged in an umbrella formation and held atop elegant stems that sway with the breeze, giving a tropical touch to the garden. This lovely and versatile plant is easily grown and makes an excellent ornamental waterside or marginal plant for water gardens. In the pond the plants grow best when half submerged up to 10 cm (4 in) on the margins of the pond. Ideally the pots should not be flooded with water.