Tropica Vallisneria 'Gigantea' Potted

Tropica Vallisneria 'Gigantea' in pot
Plant in 5 cm pot

Vallisneria americana 'Gigantea' from Asia is an undemanding and fast-growing plant for large aquariums.

The leaves often grow so long in most aquariums, 50-150 cm, that they float on the water. Therefore, the plant must be pruned so that it does not cast too much shade.

The tough, strong leaves are usually not eaten by herbivorous fish. It propagates easily via runners, which develop in large numbers in nutrient-rich substrate.    

Profile:

• Name: Vallisneria ‘Gigantea’
  
• Plant type: Rosette plant / grass-like aquarium plant
  
• Origin: Tropical and subtropical regions; aquarium form in trade
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Growth rate: Medium to fast
  
• Growth height: approx. 50–100+ cm
  
• Use in aquarium: Background, especially suitable for large aquariums or as a dense plant curtain
  
• Light requirements: Low to medium
  
• CO₂: Not necessary, but can promote growth
  
• Nutrient requirements: Low to medium; nutrient-rich substrate or root fertilization is advantageous
  
• Temperature: approx. 20–28 °C
  
• pH range: approx. 6.0–8.5
  
• Water hardness: soft to hard
  
• Propagation: Runners / daughter plants
  
• Special feature: Very large, long and ribbon-shaped leaves; ideal for tall and large aquariums, where it quickly forms a natural, dense background.
• Important: Do not plant too deeply – the leaf rosette should remain above the substrate. The plant can grow very long and should be thinned out or excess runners removed if necessary.