All you need is Vallisneria

Aquatic plants make a special place in the aquariums. Making the aquarium look exotic, the live plants are worthy products to incorporate. Other than giving an alluring look to the aquarium the aquatic plants also provide the desired oxygen to the inhabitants of the aquarium. They absorb the carbon dioxide and ammonia that fish excretes and makes the environment of the closed water eco-system fresh and clean.

There are different aquatic plants which are considered perfect for the aquariums. But most of them require much maintenance and look after. If time is money for you and you can’t spend too much of it looking after the upkeep of aquarium plants, Vallisneria could become your ultimate pick. Yes, you heard me right. This single plant is one of those who are least demanding yet have the ability to make the aquarium look lusciously exotic.

Types of Vallisneria

There are different varieties of Vallisneria that could be grown in the aquarium. Finding the one which suits your aquarium is not a difficult task. If you want to go for straight leaved plants which are plain in appearance, V. americana or V. spiralis could become the perfect choice. However, these plants require a regular pruning or else they would give appear more as a weed rather aquarium plant. They can be more specifically grown in the background to give a jungle-like appearance to the aquarium.

Vallisneria nana is the new cool among the hobbyists. They are narrow-leaved plants and make the tank look very exotic. Fish loves to swim in-between these long tapered leaves and feel more like in the lake or sea.  Other than these, V. spiralis which remains in a regular size and V. asiatic which is easy to manage are also preferred.

Varieties like V. gigantea do not take much time to spread all around the aquarium and block the natural light for other plants and, fishes. This is when the need of regular pruning to the desired shape becomes essential.

Qualities of Vallisneria

Also known as eelgrass, tape grass or simply Vallis, Vallisneria is a freshwater aquatic plant. It is most commonly known as wonder plant among the aquarium hobbyists as well. Since this single plant can give a jungle like look to the aquarium, it is looked upon by many to get an excellent aqua space. The large leaves of the plant create a magnificent flora inside the water tank.

How they spread– Vallisneria spreads by runners. The leaves of the plant arise from the roots in clusters. The round tips and the raised veins of the leaves contribute to calling this plant as tape grass or eelgrass. They spread fast and make underwater meadows instantly. You might end up giving a jungle-like appearance to your aquarium.

What does it require– Being one of the easiest plants to grow in the aquarium, Vallisneria does not have any particular requirement. All that is needed is feed and light.

• Feed- Fertilizers that are required by other aquatic plants works perfectly to flourish this plant as well. There are no special requirements. In case you lack fertilizer, fish loads also work in making the plant thrive easily.
• Light- Vallisneria just like other aquatic plants requires light to bloom. No matter whether you are having a shallow tank or the deeper one, incorporating LED lights could help to achieve the desired light intensity for the plant.

What kind of water is perfect for Vallisneria– Generally this plant didn’t require any specific water value. But still to provide it better ambiance slightly harder water that comprises higher pH work wonders. However, Vallisneria is also seen growing perfectly in low-salinity watered aquariums. So, you can use it anywhere.

How to maintain Vallisneria– As we have already stated that Vallisneria is the plant which requires very little maintenance, a little touch-up is all that is needed to make it look perfect. Vallisneria grows rapidly. You would be surprised to notice the way it thrives and branches itself all around the aquarium. Therefore a regular clipping of the extra growth is required.

These plants require too much iron, the lack of which leads the leaves to turn yellow. Therefore, supplementing essential nutrients in the water sometimes become crucial. Fish, in general, do not disturb this plant. Most of them swim around the leaves without disturbing the roots. But still, if the roots get perturbed planting them in the pots seems better than directly to the substrate.

Are there any problems with Vallisneria

Low in maintenance and high in growth and quality, the Vallisneria plant didn’t require too much attention. However, sometimes a few problems do come with it as well. If you are planning to splurge on it here are the few troubles which you might encounter.

• Lack of Iron- As already mentioned this plant requires iron or else the leaves become pale and white.
• Lack of nitrates – Vallisneria is the plant which requires the right quantity of nitrates. Although fish loads suffice this need, in case the deficiency persists you need to supplement it from outside.
• Deep plantation – The plant should not be planted very deep. Since the leaves emerge from the crown part, it must be left exposed for proper leaves appearance. Deep plantation would hinder the growth.

Vallisneria is one of those aquarium plants which are perfect for the new hobbyists. If there are little experience and exposure to the life of aquarium and the maintenance of aquatic plants giving a thought to Vallisneria seems the best option. Although there are several varieties which can be considered to provide aquarium an attractive look; opting it seems the best choice.

So, get a Vallisneria plant and forget about the unnecessary care for the aquatic plants inside your aquarium. All that you need is a Vallisneria, and you are all set to make your fish and yourself proud. Let your fish splash in-between the large leaves and feel like being in a big ocean.