Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) Care Guide

A fast-growing grass-like plant with long ribbon leaves that sway beautifully in the current. Spreads rapidly via runners and can quickly fill the background of any aquarium.

Overview

Vallisneria spiralis is an aquatic plant in the family Hydrocharitaceae. A fast-growing grass-like plant with long ribbon leaves that sway beautifully in the current. Spreads rapidly via runners and can quickly fill the background of any aquarium.

Taxonomy

Family: Hydrocharitaceae
Genus: Vallisneria
Scientific name: Vallisneria spiralis
Other names: Eelgrass, Tape Grass

Habitat

Native to warm temperate and tropical regions worldwide, including parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. Inhabits lakes, rivers and slow-flowing streams, often forming dense submerged meadows in shallow areas.

Growth requirements

Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
Temperature: 20-28 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 4-18 °dGH
Substrate: sand or fine gravel
Nutrient demand: low
Growth rate: fast
Difficulty: beginner

Placement

Recommended placement: background
Maximum height: 60 cm
Trim every: 14 days

Propagation

In cultivation the plant is propagated by runners (daughter plants on horizontal stolons).