Vallisneria spiralis

Overview: Popular with a number of names like eelgrass, eel weed, tape grass, Vallisneria spiralis is one of the best aquarium plants for beginners. It can flourish in all types of light and water conditions. So you don’t have to worry about maintaining the water parameters intact. While a nutrient-rich substrate favors the growth of the plant, the apt lighting shows a flourishing growth pattern. Since the plant form runners, propagating Vallisneria is not a matter of concern. It belongs to family Hydrocharitaceae and is a native of southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, and southwest Asia. It is easy to care and maintain plant that forms bushy and mini forest-like area under suitable conditions. It is perfect to use as a background plant.

Appearance: The leaves of Vallisneria spiralis can go from 30 cm to 50 cm in height and attain a width of around 1 to 2 cm. The leaves are stripped and get narrower by the end. The narrow leaves do not overshadow the smaller plants growing under Vallisneria. Plants with smaller leaves are generally preferred for cultivating in the aquariums. The bright green colors of the leaves give a lush, vibrant, and flamboyant look to the tank.

Hard/soft Plant: It is a hard plant, commonly found in freshwater habitats like lakes, ponds, and wetlands.

Ideal water temperature: The ideal water temperature is between 17 to 28 degree Celsius, which favors the growth of Vallisneria spiralis. When the right temperature is provided, it shows a good growth pattern and lush green color.

Lightening conditions: It requires low light conditions but can thrive well if there is medium lighting. The best color is obtained when the tank is supplemented with additional carbon dioxide, which favors the growth and development of the plant. However, the CO2 requirement is also low.  Although it can survive if there is a low nutrient substrate, Vallisneria will flourish if the substrate is rich in nutrients.

Ideal pH level: The ideal pH ranges between 6.5 - 8.5.

Do you know: Vallisneria spiralis is one of those plants which is considered the best to cultivate if you have goldfish in your tank.