Plants in family hydrocharitaceae
Vallisneria spiralis 'Leopard'
Vallisneria spiralis 'Leopard' is a background aquarium plant with a distinctive leopard stripe on its leaves. It grows upright with long, slender leaves and turns red under high light. This fast-growing plant is suitable for beginners and does not require CO2, thriving in both stagnant and flowing waters.
Najas guadalupensis
This aquatic plant is native to North and Central America and has a fast growth rate. It provides habitat for fish and small aquatic organisms and acts as a natural water purifier. It thrives in slightly alkaline to neutral pH and requires moderate to high lighting. It is easily propagated through side shoots.
Najas indica
Najas indica is an aquatic plant commonly found in freshwater habitats across Asia. It is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow, thriving in a range of conditions without special care. Its fast growth provides excellent cover for fish fry.
Vallisneria americana 'Contortionist'
Vallisneria americana 'Contortionist', also known as Contortion Val, is an aquatic plant with small twisted leaves that can grow very tall, approximately 20 inches or more. It is easily propagated via runners and prefers a sandy or soil substrate. This plant has a fast growth rate and requires medium-high lighting.
Vallisneria spiralis
Vallisneria spiralis, commonly known as Straight Vallisneria or Tape Grass, is an aquatic plant with straight, vertical leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long. It is a popular background plant in aquariums, thriving in nutrient-rich substrates with moderate care and light requirements. The plant propagates by runners and is suitable for beginners, offering a fast growth rate and adaptability to various water conditions.
Vallisneria rubra
Also known as Red Jungle Val, this background aquarium plant thrives with good lighting and a nutrient-rich substrate. The top of the plant can turn red, and it is hardy and adaptable to various water conditions. It oxygenates water, absorbs excess nutrients, and provides hiding places for aquatic creatures.
Blyxa aubertii
Blyxa aubertii is an aquatic plant found across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, thriving in shallow lakes and ponds. It has short stems and forms a rosette of leaves up to 24 inches long. The plant produces greenish-purple flowers, adding a touch of color to aquatic environments. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to water gardens.
Hydrocharis spongia
Hydrocharis spongia, a temperate aquatic plant native to North America, resembles a miniature waterlily with its floating heart-shaped leaves. It thrives in slow-moving waters and is effective at removing nitrogen and potassium from the water. This perennial plant grows to a height of 1/4 to 1 inch and prefers full to partial sun. While fast-growing, it is easier to control than duckweed and can become invasive in warm climates.
Vallisneria americana
Vallisneria americana, also known as wild celery or eelgrass, is a freshwater plant native to North and Central America. It stabilizes sediment and shorelines and serves as a nursery for fishery species.
Blyxa japonica
Blyxa japonica is an aquatic plant native to China, Taiwan, Japan, and Papua New Guinea, commonly found in shallow, stagnant water. It is popular in the aquarium trade but is known to be difficult and demanding to grow.
Elodea densa
Elodea densa, also known as Anacharis, is an aquatic plant native to South America, often used in aquariums. It grows in water up to 4 meters deep and forms dense canopies that can block light. This plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light and its role in wastewater treatment. It reproduces vegetatively and can secrete substances that inhibit blue-green algae, making it a valuable addition to aquatic environments.
Vallisneria nana 'Striped'
Vallisneria nana 'Striped' is a hardy aquarium plant known for its narrow, green leaves that may develop brown stripes. It can grow over 20 inches tall and does not require CO2, making it a low-maintenance choice for aquarists. This fast-growing plant thrives in medium to high lighting conditions.
Vallisneria nana
Vallisneria nana, also known as Giant Val, is a fast-growing aquarium plant that serves as an excellent background feature. It thrives in nutrient-rich substrates and prefers moderate to high light conditions. With its tall, grass-like appearance, it adds a natural touch to aquariums and benefits from CO2 injection for optimal growth.
Vallisneria natans
Vallisneria natans is a heavy root feeder suitable for larger aquariums. It features twisted vertical leaves and spreads with side shoots, thriving in moderate to high light conditions.
Vallisneria nana 'Rubra'
Vallisneria nana 'Rubra' is an aquarium plant with a potential reddish hue on its leaves. It grows tall and fast, creating a jungle-like appearance, and thrives in nutrient-rich substrates.