Vallisneria nana - Narrow leaf vallis

Vallisneria spiralis (smooth-leaved marsh screw) max. growth height - 100 cm Country of origin Tropical cosmopolitan Suitability Perch aquarium, discus aquarium, community aquarium Type  Rosette plant family Hydrocharitaceae Genus Vallisneria Propagation Stolons Growth rate fast pH 6 - 9 Water hardness 10 - 30 °dh Notes   Vallisneria spiralis is also one of the classics in aquaristics. This undemanding aquatic plant forms ribbon-shaped leaves between 0.8 and 1.5 cm wide. Sometimes leaf lengths of up to 1 metre are achieved. It is easy to care for and cultivate and is ideal for creating a green, living back wall. Runner shoots that grow into the front area should be removed in good time. The species name "spiralis" does not refer to the leaves, but to the spirally twisted flower stems. It is also an ideal plant for perch aquaria.

Vallisneria spiralis Torta Large screw - swamp screw max. growth height 30 - 50 cm Country of origin Africa, Asia Suitability Perch aquarium, community aquarium Type  Rosette Family Hydrocharitaceae Genus Vallisneria Propagation Stolons Growth rate medium pH 6 - 9 Water hardness 10 - 30 °dh Notes   A very decorative variety of Vallisneria spiralis with a twisted growth habit. It is also known commercially as ‘screw vallisneria’. With a height of 30-50 cm, the leaves remain significantly shorter than those of the stem form. It is also undemanding in cultivation, only the light intensity should be slightly higher than for the normal V. spiralis. The ‘Torta’ variety is suitable for the middle ground of small aquaria or the background of larger aquaria.

Sagittaria subulata var. pusilla - Dwarf Arrowhead max. growth height 10 - 40 cm Country of origin USA / South America Suitability Discus aquarium, NanoCube and community aquarium Type Rosette plant Family Alismataceae Genus Sagittaria Propagation Stolons Growth rate medium pH 5 - 8 Water hardness 0 - 15 °dh Notes   The small arrowhead is a popular aquarium plant with very narrow, ribbon-shaped leaves. At first glance, these look very similar to the leaves of Vallisneria. The growth height of Sagittaria subulata var. pusilla is very variable, ranging from a few centimetres to 40 cm. Only with good lighting does the arrowhead stay nice and short for the foreground area. The plant carpet can be kept short by regularly removing runners with longer leaves. This species grows best in medium-hard to hard water and is very tolerant when it comes to water temperature.

Anubias Barteri Nana 'Petite' Anubias Barteri Nana 'Petite' is a very small, uniformly filigree Anubias variety. Selection has resulted in a miniature form that is ideal for nano aquariums.Difficulty of cultivation: easy Light requirement: low CO₂ requirement: low Height of the adult plant: up to 5 cm Growth slow Temperature: 20-30 °C Placement in aquarium: In the foreground Origin: cultivation 6 cm cup diameter Anubias barteri is a succulent green plant of the rhizome family, naturally native to the swamps of Cameroon and Nigeria, growing in fast-flowing waters. It can grow both under and above water. "Petite" is a selected cultivar of Anubias barteri. This species does not occur in nature in such a miniature form. Consistent selection by Singapore botanists has resulted in a delicate, compact version of Anubias barteri for nano-aquariums. The variety is rarely seen in the trade and represents a kind of rarity. The plant has a rhizome that forms roots that strongly entwine the area in which it is planted. It is therefore ideal for planting on roots or rocks, such as volcanic lava.The very decorative, tiny, heart-shaped leaves are stiff and fleshy, shiny on the surface and have a velvety texture on the underside. At the same time, they are very hard and stiff, so herbivorous fish are not interested in them. The height of this miniature plant is less than 5 cm. Therefore, it is well suited for the foreground. However, it can also be used for eye-catching trees in the background. Under good conditions, it can produce a delicate white flower. Anubias Barteri Nana 'Petite' can handle a variety of temperatures. It can thrive in cooler tanks as well as in warm, tropical aquariums with discus fish, for example. It likes water with a pH of 5.5-8.0, up to 15 ° dH. it prefers weak, diffuse lighting, reaching more like 0.3 W/l. In case of prolonged and intense lighting, it may become overgrown with algae. Therefore, it is advisable to plant it in darker or even shaded areas of the tank. The plant does not like neglected aquariums, it prefers water that is changed regularly and does not leave dirt on its leaves. It grows slowly, but forms a very attractive shape, especially when it grows in a group to form a green, decorative clump. It is very comfortable in tanks with low water levels and looks great in nano aquariums. Therefore, it is a popular plant for many aquascapers. With it can create very interesting miniature compositions. It also does well in aquariums with cichlids and other herbivorous fish. It is often used in shrimp tanks and nano aquariums for fighting fish. It does not require special care, it is enough to remove older leaves, which stimulates the rhizome to form offshoots. If you want to get new cuttings, you can divide the rhizome into 2-3 cm long sections from time to time. To attach the Anubias to roots or stones, it is enough to use very thin string, thread or special glue for fixing aquarium plants. Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself.

Echinodorus argentinensis / Argentine frogspoon max. growth height - 60 cm Country of origin Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay Suitability Perch aquariumCommunity aquarium Type family Alismataceae Genus Echinodorus Propagation Adventitious plants on the flower stalk Growth rate medium pH 5 - 9 Water hardness 0 - 20 °dh Hints Beginner plant The distribution of sword plants extends from the USA to Argentina. E. argentinensis is one of the larger species and requires sufficient space in an underwater landscape. It is very suitable for open aquaria and its sturdy leaves look decorative above water. With a little patience, flowering shoots with white flowers will also form. A nutrient-rich substrate and medium to good lighting are required.

Eriocaulon CinereumEriocaulon Cinereum is a very interesting and eye-catching plant species for the foreground of an aquarium. The plant is characterized by slow growth and the shape of the leaves resembles needles.Cultivation difficulty: moderately demanding Light requirement: high CO₂ requirement: high Height of the adult plant: up to 5 cm Growth: slow Temperature: 19-29 °C Placement in aquarium: in the foreground Origin: Asia 6 cm cup diameter Eriocaulon Cinereum is an undersized plant that does well in the foreground of an aquarium. This species is found on the Asian continent, especially in countries such as China and the Himalayan region. In China it is very common in its natural habitat, but in other countries it is hard to find. Recently, it has gained popularity due to its original and unique structure and characteristic flowers.The plant is characterized by very slow growth, as it takes about 6 months to form a rosette with a diameter of 10 cm. It reaches an average height of 5 cm. There must be a very fertile substrate, as the species has a very extensive root system. Through this, the plant absorbs most of the nutrients it needs for growth. It tolerates a wide range of water temperatures from 19 to 29 °C. It also grows in water with medium to high hardness,but prefers soft water. To ensure good growth, strong lighting and CO₂ dosage is essential, as well as micronutrient fertilization. Under these conditions, it will reward us with a beautiful rosette appearance with many young leaves.The propagation of this plant can be done in several ways. The easiest and most popular is the division of the rosette. This can be done as early as about a month after planting the plant in the aquarium. To get new cuttings, pull out a single plant and remove it from the water. Use a sharp tool to carefully cut the rosette into smaller pieces, and then use tweezers to place them in the substrate. After some time, the cut should be covered with new leaves, and the plant will take on a spherical shape.In aquariums, it likes to bloom, so its original inflorescences make an unusual decoration for any aquarium. Planting: The plant must be removed from the cup and thoroughly rinsed from the gel under running water. This is best done by placing the plant in a container of lukewarm water. Most of the gel will then fall off by itself.

Vallisneria australis Curly Wavy-leaved giant vallisneria max. growth height - 200 cm Country of origin Cultivated form Suitability Perch aquarium, discus aquarium, community aquarium Type  Rosette plant Family Hydrocharitaceae Genus Vallisneria Propagation Runners Growth rate fast pH 6 - 9 Water hardness 25 - 30 °dh Notes   Alongside Vallisneria spiralis, Vallisneria australis is the most widely cultivated plant in this genus. The growth habit of the ‘Curly’ variety has attractive, bullous leaves and looks very decorative in the background. Larger aquaria are essential for keeping it, as the leaves can reach a length of 100 - 200 cm. It propagates via runners, which should be removed regularly to prevent uncontrolled growth. The plants thrive best in medium-hard to hard water.