Najas Grass care guide
Najas Grass (Najas guadalupensis) — low light, 18-28 °C, pH 6-8, no CO2.
Overview
Najas Grass (Najas guadalupensis) is an aquatic plant of the family Hydrocharitaceae, listed in the Aquairi knowledge base as a beginner-level species. It is typically grown under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection on any substrate. Free-floating or rooted bushy plant with fine, tangled leaves. Extremely fast nutrient consumer; ideal for cycling, fry tanks, and shrimp colonies as biofilm host.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hydrocharitaceae
- Genus: Najas
- Scientific name: Najas guadalupensis
- Common synonyms: Guppy Grass, Najas guadalupensis
Habitat
Najas is a cosmopolitan genus of submersed plants (Hydrocharitaceae) of fresh and brackish ponds, lakes and slow streams; the brittle, branching stems bear narrow, often spiny-margined leaves. In the Aquairi knowledge base, populations associated with this form are recorded from North America, Central America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: low
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 18-28 °C (64-82 °F)
- pH: 6-8
- GH: 3-16 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 40 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Recommended placement: floating
Placement
A fast-growing background or floating bush used for nutrient uptake and as spawning cover; it can be anchored or left drifting. In the Aquairi knowledge base this form is recommended for the floating layer under low light and without obligatory CO2 injection, using any substrate.
Propagation
Propagated simply by fragmentation, with each broken stem segment continuing to grow into a new plant. Documented propagation techniques for this entry include: stem cuttings.
Common issues
The brittle stems shed fragments easily and the plant can spread quickly; surplus growth is removed to prevent it taking over the tank.