Jungle Val

Jungle Vallisneria, known scientifically as Vallisneria americana, is a robust and resilient aquatic plant that makes an excellent choice for larger aquariums. Renowned for its ability to reach impressive heights, this plant is a long-time favorite among aquarists due to its hardiness and minimal care requirements. Jungle Vallisneria thrives as a background plant, often growing all the way to the surface of the tank, creating a lush, green backdrop. It is also notable for its rapid propagation, making it a reliable addition to any aquarium.

This species belongs to the tapegrass family and is one of the few aquatic plants capable of tolerating brackish water, though its growth may slow under such conditions. Jungle Vallisneria can grow several feet tall, providing essential shelter for shy fish and fry, which encourages them to explore the tank more freely. It’s important to avoid trimming the leaves, as damaged leaves tend to rot and fall off, potentially polluting the water.

Jungle Vallisneria thrives in hard, alkaline water but can adapt to a range of conditions, though its growth may slow in softer, more acidic environments. Unlike many aquarium plants, it does not require additional CO2, as it typically grows in shallow waters with low CO2 levels. However, the plant does benefit from the regular addition of iron-rich fertilizers, which can be added weekly, ideally following a water change.

This plant performs best under high lighting but can adapt to moderate lighting levels, though with slower growth. For optimal results, high-quality LED lights or specialized plant bulbs such as CFL or fluorescent tubes are recommended.