Vallisneria Gigantea (Vallisneria gigantea) Care Guide
The largest Vallisneria species with ribbon-like leaves that can exceed one meter. An extremely fast-growing, undemanding background plant ideal for large aquariums where it creates a dramatic curtain…
Overview
Vallisneria gigantea is an aquatic plant in the family Hydrocharitaceae. The largest Vallisneria species with ribbon-like leaves that can exceed one meter. An extremely fast-growing, undemanding background plant ideal for large aquariums where it creates a dramatic curtain effect.
Taxonomy
- Family: Hydrocharitaceae
- Genus: Vallisneria
- Scientific name: Vallisneria gigantea
- Other names: Giant Val, Jungle Val
Habitat
Native to the Philippines, New Guinea and northern Australia, where it grows rooted in sand or silt of large rivers and lakes. The species is now treated by some authorities as a synonym of Vallisneria australis or a form of Vallisneria spiralis.
Growth requirements
- Light: medium (≈50-80 PAR at substrate)
- CO2: optional (CO2 improves growth and coloration)
- Temperature: 20-30 °C
- pH: 6.5-8
- GH: 4-18 °dGH
- Substrate: any (also grows attached to decor)
- Nutrient demand: low
- Growth rate: fast
- Difficulty: beginner
Placement
- Recommended placement: background
- Maximum height: 120 cm
- Trim every: 10 days
Propagation
In cultivation the plant is propagated by runners (daughter plants on horizontal stolons).