Blyxa Japonica

Overview: Native to Asia, Blyxa japonica is known to originate from Japan. There, it can be found growing naturally in rivers and ponds where the water is shallow. From the grass-like appearance to the vibrant green color foliage– everything about Blyxa japonica makes it suitable for growing in an aquarium. The dense and bushy growth of the plant can create a lush green textured aquascape and bring more beauty to your tank. It can be used as a foreground or midground plant.

Appearance: Blyxa japonica has narrow and elongated leaves. They resemble grass blades and grow in rosette-shaped clusters. The bright green color and the glossy sheen on the leaves make this plant one of a kind and perfect for aquariums. When the nutrient-rich substrate is given, hues of red or reddish tint also appear on the leaves. Also, it features bushy growth and an upright growth pattern. Usually, the plant attains a height of 10 to 20 cm; thus, it is perfect for the foreground position.

Hard/Soft Plant: Blyxa japonica is a soft plant that requires stable water parameters.

Ideal Water Temperature: The best temperature range for Blyxa japonica is between 22 and 28 degrees Celsius. While low temperature will hinder the growth, too high will also rot it. Thus, try to maintain a consistent temperature to ensure healthy plant growth.

Lighting Conditions: The best lighting condition for Blyxa japonica is moderate to high. Under this range, the plant grows profusely and appears stunning. Under low light, it will grow sparsely and lose its compact growth and vibrant coloration. When the light is high, the leaves may develop a slight reddish or purplish tint at the tips. 

Ideal pH Level: The ideal pH range for Blyxa japonica is between 6 and 7.5. Above and below this range may put the plant under stress.

Other Requirements: Blyxa japonica performs well in nutrient-rich substrate. It will promote its root growth and good coloration of foliage. While it can grow in plain gravel, adding root tabs or using a more specialized plant substrate will help it thrive. At the same time, Blyxa japonica benefits greatly from CO2 supplementation.

Propagation: You can propagate Blyxa japonica vegetatively. All you need is to separate the offshoots from the main plant and replant them in the substrate. Over time, these offshoots will develop roots and grow into a new plant. If you trim the plant regularly, it will help in attaining bushy growth.

Do You Know: When viewed from the above, the growth of Blyxa japonica appears like a star; thus, it gets its name as Japanese Water Stargrass. The plant is known to oxygenate water and improve its quality. Thus, it also helps keep the algae blooming at bay.