Salvinia natans is an easy floating plant that gently shades your aquarium, helping reduce the intensity of bright LED lighting. Ideal for tanks where the light feels a little too strong.
Give your plants everything they need to grow well without pressurised CO2. Neutro Combo is a top seller for low-tech tanks, helping plants stay healthy, grow steadily and compete naturally with algae.
Classic upright ribbon leaves on an easy Vallisneria spiralis background grass plant
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Common name: Straight vallis
Origin: Asia
Position in Aquarium: Mid/background
Grows up to (cm):
Pot Size:
Growth rate: Medium pace
Vallisneria spiralis is one of the most classic and widely kept aquarium plants, producing long, ribbon-like bright green leaves that stand upright and sway gracefully in the current. It has been a staple of the freshwater aquarium hobby for well over a century, and its combination of easy care, adaptability, and attractive naturalistic form keeps it among the most recommended background plants for planted aquariums of all styles.
It is thoroughly easy and undemanding, growing well under low to medium light without CO2 injection and tolerating a very broad range of water conditions including hard and alkaline water. It spreads naturally via runners to fill the background with an expanding stand of upright leaves. Daughter plants on runners can be thinned and repositioned to control the spread and maintain a tidy layout.
Supplied as a bunch ready to plant, Vallisneria spiralis suits aquariums from 40 litres upward. Its reliability, ease of care, and classic grass-like form make it an ideal choice for beginners, community aquariums, and any hobbyist wanting a low-maintenance but visually effective background plant.
You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.
Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.
Yes. It is one of the easiest and most forgiving aquarium plants available — a classic recommendation for first planted aquariums and community tanks.
No. It grows reliably without CO2 under low to medium light and is one of the best options for low-tech and community aquarium backgrounds.
Yes. Vallisneria spiralis is one of the most hard-water-tolerant aquarium plants and actually does well in moderately hard to hard, alkaline water conditions.
Via runners along the substrate that produce daughter plants. Over time it forms a spreading colony in the background. Thin daughter plants regularly to maintain a tidy layout.
Typically 30–50 cm depending on water conditions and light. In warmer, well-lit aquariums it can grow taller and may reach the surface. Regular leaf trimming can manage height.
