Tape grass

Vallisneria spiralis

Family : Hydrocharitaceae

PlantFreshwaterclassic

Tape grass is a background plant with long ribbon-like leaves. It grows quickly and produces stolons.

Tape grass — photo 1 sur 4
Lara Gudmundsdottir · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.01 / 4
Popularity
Easy plant
standard lighting, few requirements
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Europe
Poissons et invertébrés d'Europe tempérée.

Description

Leaves are linear, bright green, 30–60 cm long, slightly spiraled. The plant spreads via stolons, forming dense colonies. It can flower at the surface with small white flowers. Very hardy and tolerates a wide range of parameters. Leaves can be trimmed without damage. Often used in cichlid tanks.

Habitat

Region :

This plant grows in calm waters of lakes, rivers, and canals. It forms vast meadows in shallow areas. The substrate is often sandy or muddy.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2028 °C
pH6.58
GH515 °dGH
KH38 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
1/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
50 L
Min. group
1
Adult size
60 cm
Lifespan
5 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
Division des stolons ou repiquage des plantules.

Care notes

Temperature 20–28°C, pH 6.5–8.0, GH 5–15. Moderate lighting (0.5 W/L) is sufficient. A sand or fine gravel substrate works. CO2 addition is not needed. Can become invasive; thin out regularly. Compatible with most fish, including moderate herbivores. Avoid apple snails that may eat young shoots.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References