Vallisneria (Vallisneria spiralis) is a beginner-level aquarium plant. A tall, grass-like plant that spreads by runners and tolerates hard, alkaline water well, which suits San Diego tap water.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Vallisneria spiralis |
|---|---|
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Origin | Worldwide tropics and subtropics |
| Height | 12-24+ in |
| Light | Low to moderate |
| CO2 | Not required |
| Placement | Background |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| Temperature | 65-82°F |
| pH | 6.5-8.0 |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Propagation | Runners |
Quick tips
- Plant in substrate, not the crown.
- Spreads by runners; thin as needed.
- Good for hard-water tanks.
San Diego water
Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
New to planted tanks? Start with our beginner planted tank guide and the plant fertilizer guide.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi