Plants

Difficulty level: easy

 These plants can thrive and grow well in low-light aquariums.

 CO2 supply is recommended because the CO2 supply, despite the low light, ensures the
growth of the plants. Can use liquid CO2 confidently.
 Bottom substrate at the beginning and liquid fertiliser for weekly use.

Anubias barteri caladiifolia

Anubias barteri var. caladiifolia is a slow growing plant that can also
easily form large groups despite its slow growth. It can be planted in
any substrate, once its rhizome is not buried in it. It’s a hardy, low
light, low CO2 plant that can reach heights of 10-15cm.

Anubias barteri 'Coffeefolia

A variety of Anubias barteri, it can reach 15-25 cm height with a

creeping rhizome of 10-15 cm or more. It is characteristic that the
leaves arch between the leaf ribs, and the new leaves are red-
brown.It flowers frequently under water but does not produce seeds .
It is not eaten by herbivorous fish. Again, it’s a low light, low CO2
plant.

Anubias barteri var. angustifolia

Anubias barteri var. angustifolia from West Africa is a beautiful
plant with long, narrow leaves. It can reach 10-20 cm tall with
the rhizome forming 10-15 cm or larger. Anubias barteri var.
angustifolia used to be sold as Anubias afzelii, but the latter is
actually a much larger species. It is grown in the same
conditions as Anubias barteri var. nana. It is not eaten by
herbivorous fish. 
Anubias barteri var. barteri

Anubias barteri var. barteri It grows somewhat larger

than Anubias barteri var. nana but is grown in the same
conditions. Grows to 25-45 cm tall with a rhizome of
10-15 cm or more. Anubias barteri varies considerably
in terms of size and leaf shape. Like other Anubias-
species, it is best planted in a shady spot to restrict
algae growth on the leaves. It is also suitable for
terrariums and paludariums. Herbivorous fish do not eat
the very tough and robust leaves.

Anubias barteri var. nana

Anubias barteri var. nana is a small, attractive plant which

thrives in all conditions. It originates from Cameroon and will
reach 5-10 cm height. The rhizome will be 10-15 cm or more.
It grows slowly, and the leaves survive for several years,
giving slow-growing algae the chance to become established.
The best result is achieved by planting on a stone or tree root.
Fishing line can be used to attach the plant until it gains a
hold. If planted on the bottom the rhizome must not be
covered because it tends to rot. It flowers frequently under
water. It is not eaten by herbivorous fish. 

Anubias gracilis

The 5-10 cm big triangular leaves with long leaf stems

make Anubias gracilis one of the most elegant plants. It is
hardy and sturdy – a good starter plant. The plant can grow
on stones and roots or be planted into the bottom layer. If
planted into the bottom layer, make sure not to cover the
rhizome from which leaves and roots grow, or else the
plant will rot and die. Anubias gracilis can grow over the
surface of the aquarium, but please note that the plant
grows to be significantly bigger over wate
Azolla caroliniana

Azolla caroliniana is a small (1-2 cm tall), floating fern housing

blue-green algae in its leaves. These algae are capable of
absorbing nitrogen from the air, which can then be used by the
plant. Azolla caroliniana is used as nitrogen fertiliser in rice
paddies, and as animal feed. There are several related varieties
on the market, with similar appearance. A decorative plant for
open aquariums. 

Bacopa caroliniana

Bacopa is an easy and popular plant. Stems become 10-30

cm long and 3-4 cm wide. Apart from relatively good light it
makes few demands. Its slow growth rate makes it one of the
few stem plants that do not need much attention. Like most
stem plants, it is most decorative when planted in small
groups. Easy to propagate by cuttings, just take a side shoot
and plant it in the substrate.

Bacopa 'Compact'

This culture form of the stalk plant Bacopa Monnieri is

more compact and, under good light conditions, almost a
creeping plant. By pinching off all vertical growing
shoots, the plant can maintain a low and close growth,
since it willingly creates a large number of side
shoots.This plant grows well in the shadow of other
plants. Suitable as a higher carpet – or bushy plant in
the middle or front of the aquarium. The plant becomes
more vertical growing and less compact without CO2
additive and decreased light conditions. 

 
 Bucephalandra 'Wavy Green'

In nature, Bucephalandra usually grows on rocks or wood in

rivers and streams - much like Anubias, which they resemble
regarding use and care in the aquarium. Its an easy, slow-
growing plant that prefers lower light levels.The green leaves are
23 cm wide and 5 cm long with wavy edges. Tiny white spots will
appear on immerse leaves.The creeping stem, rhizome, must
not be covered when planting. This will cause the plant to rot and
die.

Cabomba caroliniana

Cabomba is a very popular aquarium and reaches 30-80 cm.

Each stem can become 5-8 cm wide. The least demanding of the
Cabomba-species needs fairly good light. It can even grow
floating. Most decorative when planted in groups.

Cardamine lyrata

Cardamine lyrata is actually a marsh plant. But it can also thrive

under water with 20-50 cm long stems. A characteristic trailing
growth form makes it highly decorative, and ‘aerial’ roots often
form on the plant itself. Plant in groups, and make sure the water
temperature does not exceed 28 degrees C (this makes the
leaves much smaller). Also suitable in garden ponds in the
summer.
Ceratophyllum demersum 'Foxtail'

Ceratophyllum has no roots as such, but it can still be planted in

the bottom of an aquarium and stems can become up to 80 cm tall
and 5 cm wide. 'Foxtail' differs because its leaves are closer
together and it has lateral shoots, which gives it an attractive,
compact appearance. The plant also distinguishes itself because it
is hardier and its stalks do not break as easily as those of other
Ceratophyllum-varieties. 

Crinum calamistratum

Crinum calamistratum is a bulbous plant with dark-

green, narrow leaves. The curly leaves becomes 40-120
cm long. It forms smaller bulbs than the other Crinum-
species, and demands more light. In the aquarium plants
that are thriving form a number of small bulbs. It is not
eaten by herbivorous fish. It can also be used in
brackish aquariums with low salt concentrations.

Crinum thaianum

Crinum thaianum is a distinctive bulbous plant belonging to

the lily family having 60-200 cm long leaves. It is
undemanding apart from the fact that it needs plenty of
space. Plant so the top 2/3 of the bulb is visible, because
otherwise the bulb tends to rot. When the plant grows older
it sometimes sends a flower stem up to the water surface
with a lily flower.
Cryptocoryne albida 'Brown'

The narrow, red-brown leaves have clear, black patterns and

waving leaf edges. Each leaf grows to be about 1-3 cm wide
and up to 15 cm long, giving the plant a light and graceful
look, which is easy to combine with other plants inside the
tank. It is able to grow under must conditions and can thrive
at even very poor light conditions.

Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii'

Cryptocoryne beckettii 'Petchii' is a small variety of

Cryptocoryne beckettii , which has beautiful, slightly fluted leaf
margins, 10-15 cm long. Leaves become dark olive-brown
with violet underside. Like many other Cryptocorynes, the leaf
colour and shape depends largely on light and CO2
conditions in the aquarium.

Cryptocoryne crispatula

Cryptocoryne crispatula comes from Southern Thailand where

there are limestone mountains, and the water can be very hard.
Like many other Cryptocorynes it needs to acclimatise before
growth starts. Leaves becomes 20-60 cm long and the single
roset plant becomes 15-20 cm wide.

Cryptocoryne undulata 'Broad Leaves'

This variety of Cryptocoryne undulata from Sri Lanka has wider leaves and a beautiful, flecked
leaf pattern. It also grows larger, from 15-25 cm, and the single roset becomes 10-20 cm wide. It
is a hardy plant and do well under many growing conditions. 

Cryptocoryne usteriana

Cryptocoryne usteriana is one of the taller

cryptocorynes and is very easy to grow.
Leaves are 3-5 cm wide with an embossed
surface and can easily reach more than 50
cm length. With good light and ferts, the
upper side of the leaves will obtain a dark
green or bronze-green colour while the back
of the leaves will turn burgundy red.
Propagation is by long runners, and the plant
tolerates quite alkaline water very well.

Cryptocoryne wendtii

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Green' is suitable for small aquariums

with heights from 5-15 cm and a roset from 8-15 cm wide.
When grown in an open space the leaves will virtually lie on
the bottom. I it also grow well in hard water.
Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Mi Oya'

This variety of Cryptocoryne wendtii is only found in the river

Mi Oya at Sri Lanka. It has red-brown, slightly hammered
leaves from 20-35 cm, and 15-30 cm wide rosettes. Many
Cryptocorynes can grow at high temperatures. In the wild this
plant is found in streams with a temperature of more than 30
degrees C.  

Cryptocoryne wendtii 'Tropica'

This variety has dark, hammered leaves. When grown in

an open space the leaves will virtually lie on the bottom.
It is suitable for small aquariums with leaves from 10-15
cm, and a rosette from 10-20 cm wide, it also grows well
in hard water.

Cryptocoryne x willisii

Like many other Cryptocorynes, not much happens the first

month after planting. But then it starts to grow, and produces
plenty of runners which form a compact group. The plant can
be 7-20 cm tall, and each rosette 7-15 cm wide. 

Echinodorus 'Barthii'
The Echinodorus ‘Barthii’ is a solitary plant for large
aquariums. It becomes 25-50 cm tall and the whole rosette
20-30 cm wide. The leaves change colour from dark-red in
the youngest leaves to dark-green in the oldest. The colour
develops well when the light intensity is high and there are
sufficient micro-nutrients in the aquarium. A nutritious bottom
and CO2 addition promote growth. This plant takes a lot of
light from plants underneath, so it must be pruned
occasionally.

Echinodorus 'Bleherae'

Echinodorus 'Bleherae'  is undemanding and becomes 20-50

cm tall. A nutritious substrate promotes growth, but the plant
needs pruning to prevent it depriving plants underneath of
light. It does well even in poorly lit tanks, as it grows towards
the light. It is a hardy and easy plant.

Echinodorus cordifolius 'Fluitans'

A comparatively fast-growing plant, suitable for large

aquariums, reaching 20-50 cm long leaves and a 15-30 cm
wide rosette. Unlike other round-leafed varieties of the
species, Echinodorus cordifolius ssp. fluitans is less likely to
grow up over the water surface. If it grows large enough, it
forms large leaves just under the surface instead. 

Echinodorus 'Ozelot'
Echinodorus 'Ozelot' is a decorative hybrid between Echinodorus schluteri 'Leopard' and
Echinodorus ‘Barthii’ and grows 20-50 cm tall with a 20-40 cm wide rosette. Its the black spots on
the red-brown leaves that have given this plant the name 'Ozelot'. The spots are darkest on the
youngest leaves, and it retains its spots even at low light intensity. It is an undemanding, good
plant for beginners.

Echinodorus quadricostatus

Echinodorus ‘Quadricostatus’ has light-green leaves 10-15 cm

long. It is most beautiful when planted in groups, each rosette
becoming 15-20 cm wide. In good conditions it produces
runners which spread over the bottom. Very light leaves are a
sign of a shortage of micro-nutrients.

Echinodorus 'Reni'

'Reni' is one the smallest of the red Echinodorus, growing to 15-40

cm tall and 15-25 wide. The new leaves of the plant are reddish-
brown to deep beetroot in colour. It can be used in small aquariums.
The plant requires a lot of light and nourishment for optimal colour
development. 

Echinodorus 'Rosé'
This beautiful plant grows to 25-40 cm tall and 15-25 cm wide. New underwater leaves are a
beautiful pink, and initially the leaves have red-brown spots. A nutritious bottom promotes growth,
but otherwise Echinodorus 'Rosé' is undemanding and thus an excellent plant for beginners. 

Egeria densa (elodia)

A good plant for beginners, and its rapid growth helps create
a balance in the aquarium from the start. Stems grows fast to
40-100 cm and becomes 2-4 cm wide. It helps preventing
algae because it absorbs a great number of nutrients from
the water. The plant secretes antibiotic substances which can
help prevent blue-green algae. The growth rate depends
largely on the amount of light and nutrition available. Growth
does not stop in unfavourable conditions, but the plant turns
light in colour and the tendrils grow thin. 

Eichhornia crassipes

Also known as ''Water hyacinth'', it’s a floating plant that is

suitable for indoor ponds and large open aquariums. Its size
depends on the nutrients in the water and the light intensity. In
open aquariums containing pure water it forms decorative
miniature plants.

Eleocharis parvula
A low-growing Eleocharis that forms runners close to the parent plant. It is prettiest planted in
small bunches quite close to each other, which will gradually form a solid mass of plants. An ideal
foreground plant, equally suited to large and small tanks. 

Eleocharis

Eleocharis is a grass green colour and grows to be 20-40cm high.

It is basic and low maintenance. Each straw is only few millimeters
thick. It is suitable as a background plant, and can further be
planted in front and in the centre of the tank. The plant spreads
through runners, which occasionally have to be trimmed and
maybe planted elsewhere. 

Fontinalis antipyretica

Fontinalis antipyretica looks best when it reaches a bigger size

and the bright green tips of each darker green stem becomes
visible. Fontinalis is a unassuming and easy moss, which do
well also at lower temperatures, and does well in many types of
aquariums. 

Helanthium 'Quadricostatus'
This plant is most beautiful when planted in groups, becoming 15-20 cm wide. In good conditions
it produces runners which spread over the bottom. Very light leaves are a sign of a shortage of
micro-nutrients.

Heteranthera zosterifolia

This plant forms a lot of side shoots and thus quickly forms a bushy plant
group. Stems can become 30-50 cm tall and 6-12 cm wide. In strong light
growth is intensive, and the plant must be pruned before it becomes so
compact that no light reaches the lower leaves. Water roots often form on the
stem. In open aquariums it forms small blue flowers if some shoots are
allowed to spread on the surface. 

Hottonia palustris

Easy beginner plant. The many curved shoots with fanned and
light green leaves quickly create a close group. Each stalk
becomes 4-6cm wide and 10-30cm high. Frequent cutting of the
long shoots ensures growth from the bottom of the plant, and
maintains the close, bushy form.

Hygrophila corymbosa
In the aquarium it will spread fast and create bright green, long and wide leaves. It is a fast
growing plant that must be pruned frequently. New shoots will spread from the stem and make
the plant look bushier. The cuttings can be re-planted in the bottom of the aquarium where new
roots form quickly.

Hygrophila difformis
. 
Stems becomes 20-30 cm tall and 6-12 cm wide. A plant for
beginners, it helps prevent algae because the plant absorbs
a great number of nutrients from the water. The shortage of
micronutrients leads to pale leaves, which may be an
indication that the aquarium needs fertiliser. 

Hygrophila polysperma

One of the hardiest aquarium plants available, grows to about

25-40 cm and 4-8 cm wide. It is particularly good for beginners
because it grows in almost all conditions. It normally grows so
fast that it is important to prevent it crowding out other plants.
The shoots must be pinched out regularly. Leaves lying on the
surface form small new plants. Hygrophila polysperma varies
considerably in leaf shape and colour, depending to some
extent on the light supplied. 

Hygrophila polysperma 'Rosanervig'

Hygrophila polysperma 'Rosanervig' is normally an undemanding plant. But if you want deep-pink
leaves you must provide intensive light. Stems becomes 20-40 cm tall and 5-8 cm wide. The
distinctive colouring of the light leaf ribs is probably caused by a virus which prevents chlorophyll
from being produced in the cells around the leaf ribs, making them white. However, this virus
does not affect other plants.

Hygrophila 'Siamensis'

‘Siamensis’ grows to 15-40 cm and 10-15 cm wide. Leaves are

light-green and dense. In open tanks it grows easily above the
water surface, where it forms blue-green leaves and small blue
flowers. It grows fast and the shoots must be pinched out regularly
if you want to keep the plant under water. An extremely hardy
plant, suitable for beginners.

Lagenandra meeboldii 'Red'

This plant is quite similar to a medium-sized, broad-leaved

Cryptocoryne. It can be used in the aquarium like Cryptocorynes, but
needs sufficient light to develop colours.
The leaves are 4-8 cm wide and 6-12 cm long, so the whole plant
becomes relatively wide.
The colours range from dusty green with bright violet to red-violet often
on the same leaf. New leaves are pale pink.

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis
Can grow very compact, but carpeting is only achieved at high light. When planting in the
aquarium small clumps should be placed a few centimetres apart to help the plants grow
together more quickly. Place in an open position without shading from other plants to ensure
good light. It can be used in garden ponds, and also tolerates low salt concentrations in brackish
aquariums. 

Limnobium laevigatum

A floating plant that is particularly suitable for open tanks.

1-5 cm tall and leaves from 5-15 cm wide. It is also good in
traditional aquariums, because the fine, long and
decorative roots provide protection to gouramies and other
surface fish that like the roots of floating plants. If there are
enough nutrients in the water and the light intensity is
good, new leaves will appear above the water surface. 

Limnophila sessiliflora

A good alternative to Cabomba. Stems grows fast up to 40

cm long and becomes 3-4 cm wide. The plant often grows
leggy in poor light, but this can be counteracted to some
extent by CO2. Most beautiful when planted in groups. In
good growing conditions it sends out runners and spreads
across the bottom.

Lindernia rotundifolia
It grows on sandy banks along streams in Asia. The plant is undemanding and the stems with
marbled leaves quickly form compact groups. Lindernia rotundifolia is suitable both for
background and as a solitary mid-ground plant with leaves growing tightly from top to bottom. A
good starter plant that thrives under most conditions. 

Lobelia cardinalis

In tanks the leaves turn light-green, with stems 10-30 cm tall and 5-10
cm wide. It needs intensive light to thrive. In open aquariums it grows
above the water surface, where it forms very beautiful scarlet flowers
and the leaves regain their colour. Can be used in garden ponds .

Ludwigia palustris

This plant turns red easier and is smaller than the well-known
Ludwigia repens ’Rubin’. 
Each stalk becomes 2-4cm wide and 10-30cm high. The plant
creates side shoots, but cutting increases the amount and leaves
the plant even closer. The cut-off shoots can be replanted and they
quickly generate new roots. The plant becomes intensely red and
grows better, when placed in light and with added CO2.

Ludwigia repens 'Rubin'

Variety of Ludwigia repens with dark red leaves and

stalk. Stems from 20-50 cm and 4-6 cm wide. Plant in
large groups to enhance the decorative effect, and prune regularly to encourage bushy growth. If
light is insufficient the lower leaves tend to fall off. In strong light the colour becomes more
intense. 

Microsorum pteropus

A water fern from Asia, 15-30 cm tall, which should be grown

on a root or stone, attached with fishing line until it has gained
a hold. If it is planted in the bottom, do not cover the rhizome
because it will rot. Easy to propagate by splitting the
horizontal rhizome. A hardy plant which grows in all
conditions. The black spots under the leaves are sporangia
(reproductive organs), not signs of disease. 

Microsorum pteropus 'Narrow'

A narrow leaf variety, which grow at a less acute angle from the
stem than the normal Microsorum pteropus. Leaves becomes 10-
20 cm and a rhizome from 10-15 cm or more. The plant attaches
to roots and stones,Its also suitable for smaller aquariums.  

Microsorum pteropus 'Trident'

Green, narrow-leaved, smaller form of Microsorum, which like other

Microsorum is an easy and safe plant. ’Trident’ is both suitable for
beginners and fits both smaller and larger aquariums. Suitable for planting on stones or tree
roots. When planted on the bottom layer, avoid covering the horizontal stalk. New, small plants
are often created on the leaf tips, and can carefully be pulled off and planted. 

Microsorum pteropus 'Windeløv'

A finely branched leaf plant, one of the most beautiful. The

Microsorum variety becomes 15-20 cm tall and wide. A hardy
and easy plant for both beginners and the more experienced.
Best results are obtained by planting it on a stone or tree root. If
planted in the bottom the horizontal rhizome must not be
covered. This plant is not eaten by herbivorous fish

Monosolenium tenerum

This is an liverwort, 2-5 cm high, which looks most like a giant

Riccia that simply stays at the bottom, where it forms
cushions. It is a brittle plant, and pieces break off easily, so it
is best to place it in the aquarium attached to stones with
fishing line or in small clumps among other plants. Once it has
established itself, it is very undemanding. This plant is also
known as Pelia. 

Murdannia keisak

This bamboo-looking stem plant is not a grass. It comes from

Asia, where it often grows in rice fields.It grows upright, but the
plant branches out when it is cut back. The leaf is light green,
approx. 1cm wide and 3-5cm long. The stem apex becomes reddish when exposed to CO2 and
strong light. Due to quick growth, the longest shoots require ongoing cut back and some of the
tops can be replanted, in order to maintain a beautiful and varied group of plants. 

Nymphoides hydrophylla 'Taiwan'

This rosette plant can become 15-25 cm tall and 10-15 cm wide.
This variant is characterised by many underwater leaves and the
intense, light-green, transparent colour of the plant. The plant is
fast-growing and it is necessary to thin out the leaves (remove
oldest leaves and surface leaves). The plant is easy to care for
under varying conditions, but for optimal growth it requires a lot of
ferts. The new plant grows from the plates of old leaves. 

Penthorum sedoides

Very dense and compact stem plant, low maintenance and easy
cultivation. The light green, slightly serrated and dense leaves,
combined with plenty of side shoots and an creeping growth,
make this plant extremely attractive. Very suitable for the middle
and front areas of the aquarium. The plant grows upright and is
less compact in case of reduced CO2 and poor light conditions. 

Pistia stratiotes

The floating plant Pistia stratiotes is widespread in the tropics

where it is often considered a plant pest due to its rapid growth.
The plant is well suited for garden ponds in the summer. In the
aquarium, it develops flat rosettes that form runners and make
slight shade to other plants in the aquarium. The surface will
however be covered quickly which is why they need to be thinned out regularly.The roots provide
excellent hiding places for eggs and fry of various fish.

Potamogeton gayi

The dense, branching growth of this plant makes it suitable for

both background and solitary groups in a tank. It is an upright
stem-plant but it makes runners and the stem also branches after
trimming.Leaves are 2-5 mm wide and 5-7 cm long. In good light
conditions, the newest leaves are orange, turning to olive green
over time. Use it to create a great background for other plants.

Rotala rotundifolia

This plant has long, thin leaves (2-3 cm wide) and 15-30 long stems.
Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it
needs good light to produce red leaves. It forms side shoots,
becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light
to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently.

Sagittaria subulata

An undemanding foreground plant whose short runners form a

compact group. Place individual plants 2-4 cm apart. This plant
may cause problems because in certain conditions it suddenly
grows to a height of 50 cm when it grows older. But if it is then
moved into the background it may become low again. In the
aquarium it sometimes sends a long flower stem to the surface,
and small white flowers unfold just above the water surface
Salvinia natans

A floating fern, 1-3 cm, that grows quickly if there is sufficient nutrition and
light. Light leaves are a sign of a shortage of micronutrients. It tends to
shade light from the plants at the bottom. Salvinia varieties have small
hairs on their leaves, making them water resistant. Helps prevent algae
by shading parts of the aquarium and using nutrients in the water. Grows
very big in the wild and in optimum conditions

Staurogyne repens

Staurogyne repens is a fresh green, compact and hardy plant for

the foreground of the tank. Its nearest relative in the aquaristic is
Hygrophila but Staurogyne is different with its marked compact, low
and bushy stature (5-10 cm) and small green leaves (each stem is
3.4 cm wide). During planting in the aquarium, the longest upright
shoots should be cut off and new horizontally creeping shoots will
soon form from the plant basis and gradually colonize the gravel. 

Taxiphyllum Barbieri

A hardy plant which makes few demands on the water or light. The moss
becomes 3-10 cm thick and grows willingly on any surface, so it is ideal
for decorating stones and tree roots or concealing installations in the
aquarium. Attach the plant with a piece of fishing line or cotton thread
until it has gained a hold on the décor. It can be pruned with scissors. In
breeding aquariums Taxiphyllum barbieri is a great hiding place for fry. 
Taxiphyllum 'Spiky'

Best described as Christmas moss' big brother , 2-10 cm tall, rougher

and bigger with deep green, branched shoots. Spiky moss does best on
vertical surfaces where the branched shoots settle in. It grows fast and
requires a lot of light to do well. 

Vallisneria americana 'Asiatica'

Vallisneria sp. Asiatica has twisted, green leaves that make a beautiful
contrast when planted in groups. Its shorter leaves (20-30 cm) differ
from most other Vallisneria species and do not overshadow other plants
in the aquarium. An easy plant that propagates via runners.

Vallisneria americana 'Gigantea

Vallisneria sp. Gigantea from Asia is an easy plant that grows fast,
suitable for large tanks. In most aquariums the leaves grow so long that
they float on the surface (50-150 cm, 2 cm wide). So the plant needs
pruning to stop it taking too much light from plants growing beneath. The
leaves are tough and strong, so they are not normally eaten by
herbivorous fish. 
 

Vallisneria americana 'Natans'

Vallisneria sp. ‘Natans’ is a hardy plant for beginners. It has fine, narrow
leaves (50-100 cm long, 1 cm wide) so it does not overshadow other
plants much. Easy to propagate using its many runners. 

Vallisneria nana

Vallisneria nana is a plant with dark green, narrow leaves (less

than 1 cm). It is extremely suitable as a mid-ground plant, but can
also be used as a background plant in small tanks. The leaves are
much narrower than with other species of Vallisneria, nor are they
quite as long. Vallisneria nana produces offshoots, so compact
vegetation will soon develop in good conditions. 

Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger'

This is an excellent plant for beginners, growing in virtually all light and
water conditions. The name 'Tiger' is due to its striped leaves (30-50 cm
long, 1-2 cm wide). The relatively short leaves make it suitable for small
aquariums, and the leaves are also narrow so they do not overshadow smaller plants. Forms
runners easily, and is easy to propagate.