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Jungle Vallis
Tapegrass ~ Water Celery

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Vallisneria americana var. Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy "Yvonne"

   The long tall Jungle Vallis definitely lives up to the common names - ''Tapegrass" and "Water Celery" - that are often use to describe this species!

   The Vallisneria group has been an aquarium favorite for generations. This variety has smooth, ribbon like leaves that are just too good to be true. A stand of Jungle Vallis makes quite a statement in the home aquarium. These plants are sturdy and will grow well in most conditions. Once established, they can easily send out one or more new leaves per week. They make a dramatic backdrop with leaves easily reaching 2 ft or more (61+ cm).

   Jungle Vallis plants require very little work. They appreciate an iron rich substrate or iron rich fertilizer. Co2 fertilization is not required, but is always helpful. The biggest cause of failure is planting them wrong. The crown of the plant must always be above the substrate.

   The one complaint some aquarists have is that the leaves will often reach the surface and grow along it, filtering the light for plants below. Some aquarists choose cut the leaves to the desired length, but the damaged leaves often rot away polluting the water and diminishing the aesthetic value. The best thing to do is either learn to accept the overgrowth or choose a smaller variety.

For more Information on keeping a planted aquarium see:
About Planted Aquariums, Adding Aquatic Plants For a Healthy Aquarium

Water conditions:
   Temperature: 64-82° F (18-28° C)
   pH: 6.0 -9.0
   dGH: 5 - 25

Lighting:
   Light level: Moderate to very bright.

Propagation:
   These plants are very prolific, sending out runners with daughter plants on a regular basis (after getting settled in). They may also send up blooms on a thin, tightly curled stem, but seeds from these are difficult to grow in the home aquarium.

Availability:
   The Jungle Vallis is readily available both in stores and online.

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Latest Comments
I have wonderful luck with my jungle vallisneria, even though I have but a plain gravel substrate. It has always grown well, even with only occasional doses of liquid fertilizers. I do have to trim the leaves as they get too long for my 28 inch deep tank. Usually, they continue to grow with no permanent damage done. However, a few have not grown from the cut point but they do not rot either. I wish my twisted vallisneria would grow so easily! Beverly 2007-06-26

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Author: "Yvonne"