Giant Vallisneria – Vallisneria americana var. gigantea
Giant Vallisneria, also known as Jungle Vallisneria or Vallisneria gigantea, is a bold and fast-growing aquatic plant known for its tall, ribbon-like leaves that can reach the surface and beyond. Ideal for large aquariums, it provides excellent background coverage and natural shelter for fish, creating a lush underwater jungle effect.
Features:
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Long, flowing green leaves that can exceed tank height
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Perfect for background planting in tall or large aquariums
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Hardy, adaptable, and ideal for low- to high-tech setups
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Spreads rapidly through runners to form dense plant colonies
Growth & Care:
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Lighting: Low to high (stronger light encourages faster growth)
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CO₂: Not required but can enhance growth and thickness
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Water Parameters: pH 6.5–8.0 | Temperature 20–28°C (68–82°F)
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Growth Rate: Fast
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Placement: Background or side walls in large aquariums
Care Tips:
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Plant the roots only—do not bury the crown (growing point)
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Allow space between plants to encourage spreading via runners
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Trim back excess leaves to manage height and light blockage
Ideal For:
Aquarists with medium to large tanks looking for a hardy, dramatic background plant that provides vertical coverage, oxygenation, and natural refuge for fish like angelfish, gouramis, and livebearers.