Marcus Fish Tanks Jungle Vallisneria, 6 Plants

This listing from Marcus Fish Tanks contains 6 Jungle Val (Jungle Vallisneria) plants. Jungle val grows long, ribbon-like leaves that reach the surface and drape along it, making it a classic background plant for larger tanks.

Easy, but expect melt

Jungle val is easy to grow and robust once settled. The seller notes that it tends to melt back a fair amount after transplanting. That is normal: leaves grown in different conditions die back while new ones adapt to your water. Do not give up on the plant if leaves fade in the first couple of weeks.

Planting

1. Trim the tops, as the seller recommends, so less tissue has to adjust.
2. Plant each one with the crown, where leaves meet roots, just at the substrate surface.
3. Do not bury the crown; it can rot.
4. Space plants a couple of inches apart; runners will fill gaps.

Growth and runners

Vallisneria spreads by runners, sending out new plantlets along the substrate. In good conditions, 6 plants can become a dense wall within a few months. Pull unwanted runners to keep it in check.

Conditions

Vals often prefer harder water. They feed heavily through roots, so root tabs like API ROOT TABS help in sand or gravel.

Liquid carbon caution

Vallisneria is known to react badly to some liquid carbon products used as algae treatments. If you use them, dose lightly or skip them in tanks with vals.

Tank size

Leaves grow long, so this plant suits taller tanks. In shorter tanks, leaves trail across the surface and can shade plants below.

Shipping

Avoid ordering when lows go below 30F. For hardy companions, see the java fern and anubias bundle.

Give vals open space with gentle flow so leaves can wave freely. Strong flow tangles them, while still water lets debris settle on the leaves. Trim leaves at the base rather than cutting the tips, which leaves brown, ragged ends.