Spiral vallisneria

Family Hydrocharitaceae. Vallisneria's distribution area includes the tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. In our region it is found in the water bodies of Central Asia, in the Volga delta, and in the basins of the Don, Kuban, and Dnieper rivers.

Spiral vallisneria is one of the most common aquatic plants for aquariums. Its long, ribbon-like bright green leaves are spirally twisted and form dense thickets that reach the surface even of relatively deep aquariums. Under favorable conditions the leaves can reach 70-80 cm in length, but they are usually somewhat shorter — up to 40-50 cm. Vallisneria is usually placed in the background and along the side walls of the aquarium. Because this plant is undemanding and reproduces very quickly, it is especially popular among novice aquarists. It can be cultivated in the aquarium year-round.

Tropical and moderately warm aquariums with a water temperature of 20-28 °C are suitable for vallisneria. In colder water its growth is noticeably slowed. Vallisneria requires soft water. At hardness above 8° the plant fares poorly: growth deteriorates and leaf size decreases. The water's active reaction should be neutral or slightly acidic. pH may range from 5 to 7. Regular water changes are desirable, but the plant can also exist tolerably well in old, long-unchanged water.

Vallisneria is not demanding regarding lighting. Light can be moderate or bright. With insufficient light the plant elongates and the leaves become yellowish. Natural light is very beneficial for it. Any lamps may be used as artificial light sources, both fluorescent and incandescent. The power of the lighting is selected individually depending on the plants surrounding the vallisneria. The photoperiod can vary widely, from 8 to 16 hours.

© plantatlas.bio

Contact

Use of site materials is permitted only with the permission of the copyright owners.