Peace Lily Vase with Bill the Betta Fish

The Peace Lily or spathiphyllum was stumbled across when I first started making vases with living plants, mainly because they seemed to love tap water! I would also feed them a weak solution of Growth Technology Foliage Focus (a must for pretty much any indoor plant!) They thrived! I then learnt of the (Betta splendens). Also known as Siamese fighting fish. Betta’s origins date back hundreds of years to their native home of the Mekong basin of Laos, Thailand (formally Siam), Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and parts of China.

Wild betta can be found in their natural habitat, living in shallow ponds, elephant footprints, rice paddies, and moving streams containing water of a temperature at or above 26 degrees. (We had this one on a heat mat during winter.) They belong to a special group of fish known as ‘labyrinth’ fish, who can survive in very little water by breathing oxygen from the surface.

The science: The unique symbiotic relationship between peace lilies and Betta fish begins with the plant’s rhizomes, which serve as natural filters. These rhizomes, acting as biofilters, absorb excess nutrients and help maintain water quality—a crucial factor for the health of Betta fish.

We are changing the water and cleaning out the bottom probably once a month. Included in the price is, 2 x 100ml bottles of Enzyme Fix & Tap Dechlorinator. (Only a few drops need with every water change.)

Why give a Living Gift?

Gift-giving is often an emotional act. It serves as a vehicle for expressing feelings such as love, appreciation, gratitude, and even remorse. By selecting a gift, (such as this), a giver thinks deeply about what the recipient likes, values, or needs, which demonstrates attentiveness and care.

This emotional exchange can strengthen relationships by showing the recipient that they are valued and understood. Do you know someone that is into plants, or fish or could just do with some love that a Betta fish can offer? Then this is the gift that is unique, living, thriving and ready for a new loving, home.

It has taken quite some time to put a price on Ben, as this little fish has such an amazing personality. Waving his little dorsals, as soon as he sees you. And whenever he sees you. He is the first fish that greets you at the front door. He will be missed!