Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)
Names
Scientific name
Vallisneria americana
Vallisneria americana Gigantea
Vallisneria americana Natans
Vallisneria spiralis var. americana
Vallisneria asiatica
Vallisneria neotropicalis
Common name
Jungle Val
Wild celery
Straight vallisneria
Tape grass
Eel grass
Origin
Origin: Jamaica, Southeastern United States, Cuba
Ideal fertilization
CO2: 5-40mg/l
Nitrates (NO3): 10-50mg/l
Phosphates (PO4): 0,1-3mg/l
Potassium (K): 5-30mg/l
Iron (Fe): 0,01-0,5mg/l
Group
Hydrocharitaceae
Kind
Stolon
Parameters
T°: 15 to 30°C or 59 to 86°F
pH: 6 to 8
Hardness: 6 to 30°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Lighting
Low
Size
30 to 100 cm (12 to 40")
Plantation area
Background
Growth
Fast
Presentation
Presentation
Who is the Vallisneria?
This plant is frequently found in slow streams, lakes and ponds. Even though it lives completely submerged, it does not live very deeply. It loves clean, clear waters. It is a perennial plant. Although originally based on the American continent (and still, doubts remain on this point), it is found today in all temperate regions of the world.
Very ornamental, it can form real hedges at the back of your aquarium. In addition, its ability to withstand hard water and its unappetising appearance (for many species) make it a plant of choice for African biotope aquariums.
Planting and maintenance
Planting and maintenance
How to plant and maintain the Vallisneria?
Given its size, install your feet at the back of your aquarium. Moreover, it will be comfortable in a tank measuring at least 80 cm or 32 inch of high. For planting, plan a nutrient soil 7 to 10 cm or 2.8 to 4 inch thick because it has deep roots. Plant 2 or 3 feet by 10 cm2 or 1.55 Square inch.
The Jungle Val is rather invasive, because it grows so much that it is able to cover the entire surface of the aquarium. This expansion may deprive all plants below form the light. In order to avoid this, you will need to prune it regularly. Be aware however that this size slows down its growth.
The only requirement of this plant is an intense lighting which guarantees its good health and its growth.
Farming
Farming
How to farm the Vallisneria?
In the wild, the Jungle Val blooms from June to October (provided it has not been too cold).
In the aquarium, you can cut the stems carrying stolons measuring at least 1/3 of the mother stock. Repeat them spacing them at least 7 cm or 2.8 inch apart.
Be careful though: when planting the new plant, it should not be completely buried in the substrate as it will decompose. Bury only the roots and leave the rhizome off the ground.
Good To know
Good To know
Find all additional information!
Very robust and with easy maintenance, this plant is recommended for beginners with large tanks. Indeed, it adapts to many water parameters and flourishes in most configurations that are proposed.
This species can adapt to brackish water (note, however, that the limit of tolerance for the salt is still undetermined with precision for this plant).
The varieties «Vallisneria americana Gigantea» and «Vallisneria americana Natans» come from the Vallisneria americana.
Ducks and other waterfowl are very fond of them :)
This plant is a good indicator of the quality of your water: it is sensitive to pollution. If it goes away, check the nitrate level of your water.
In New Zealand, its sale is prohibited because it is considered invasive.
Yours photos!
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