Vallisneria, also sometimes referred to as tape grass or ‘val’, is a genus of tall freshwater aquarium plants with a grass-like appearance. It’s a classic choice for the planted aquarium because it’s easy to grow, doesn’t need much extra care and works very well as a background plant. It’s actually mentioned on the list of the 8 easiest aquarium plants, and for good reason!
Vallisneria is a relatively easy plant and definitely suitable for anyone just getting started with their planted aquarium. Although it doesn’t do well in very low light conditions, it is otherwise undemanding and doesn’t require extra Co2 or lots of fertilizers. Very specific water values aren’t required either: although it prefers slightly harder water with a higher pH, it should grow fine in almost anything. In fact, it’s even been reported to work in low-salinity brackish aquariums!
This plant absorbs nutrients through its roots and needs substrate to stay anchored down. You can plant it in sand or fine gravel using your fingers or plant tweezers. Be sure to leave the base of the leaves uncovered to prevent rotting. It can initially be a bit difficult to get Vallisneria roots fully covered and prevent the plant from floating back to the surface, but once it has had some time to take root it should stay in its place. If you’re really having trouble planting your vals, try trimming the roots a bit so they aren’t all over the place.
Vallisneria can be combined with most fish and invertebrates as long as they’re not interested in uprooting and/or eating it (goldfish may pose some problems and a plant like Anubias is more suitable for them). Interestingly, Vallisneria is reported to be one of the only plants left alone by herbivorous African cichlids. The fish will still uproot it, but this can be prevented by planting the vals in pots instead of directly into the substrate.
Your Vallisneria should quickly start growing (sometimes quite rapidly!) and producing runners that can end up all over the aquarium. If these runners are starting to take over, you can remove them by clipping the part that ties them to the other plants. If you want to re-plant a runner in a more convenient spot or sell/give it away, be sure to wait with doing so until it’s large enough and has a few leaves.
Vallisneria, especially large varieties like Vallisneria gigantea, can quickly take over an aquarium. They grow into a tall, thick forest and leaves will actually grow over the surface, blocking out the light. To prevent your other plants from suffering, it may be necessary to regularly prune the vals. To do so, you can remove leaves by clipping them just above the base.
There are a few possible issues that can arise when you’re trying to grow Vallisneria. This plant needs plenty of iron, so if it’s just not doing well and/or has yellowing leaves, you may want to try adding some extra nutrients in the form of root tabs.
If your Vallisneria appears to be melting after relocation, don’t worry! This happens to many aquarium plants. Just remove any dead leaves and it should recover eventually.
Vallisneria is a very popular aquarium plant and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a variety that suits your aquarium. Vallisneria gigantea or Vallisneria americana grow very tall and work great for tall or very large aquariums. Vallisneria spiralis is the most common type and stays at a “regular” size more suitable for medium sized setups, and Vallisneria asiatica/nana are smaller types that are more manageable in an aquascape.
One thing to keep in mind when buying Vallisneria is that there seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to naming. For example, while the name suggests so, Vallisneria spiralis doesn’t have twisted leaves, while Vallisneria asiatica does. Don’t blindly trust the label!
Vallisneria is a very popular aquarium plant and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a variety that suits your aquarium. Vallisneria gigantea or Vallisneria americana grow very tall and work great for tall or very large aquariums. Vallisneria spiralis is the most common type and stays at a “regular” size more suitable for medium sized setups, and Vallisneria asiatica/nana are smaller types that are more manageable in an aquascape.
One thing to keep in mind when buying Vallisneria is that there seems to be a lot of confusion when it comes to naming. For example, while the name suggests so, Vallisneria spiralis doesn’t have twisted leaves, while Vallisneria asiatica does. Don’t blindly trust the label!
Aquarium Plants
by Marijke (Mari) Time to read: 4 min ×
Subtotal: : $0.00
Our warehouse is being overhauled – Any Plant Orders after 2/25/2017 won’t be fulfilled till after 3/13/2017. ~