TankBud

Dwarf vallisneria

Vallisneria nana

Also known as Vallisneria sp. 'Nana', Narrow-leaf val, Dwarf val, Native val

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Dwarf vallisneria (Vallisneria nana)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
68–82°F
20–28°C
Max height
15.7 in
40 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
6.5–8.0
Hardness
3–18 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root feeder
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Easy
Family
Hydrocharitaceae
Origin
Northern Australia and Southeast Asia (Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New Guinea, Philippines, Cambodia, New Caledonia)

Overview

Dwarf vallisneria is a hardy, easy background val that stays shorter and finer than common Vallisneria. It suits smaller and mid-size tanks and works in most community setups.

Did you know

Dwarf vallisneria flowers underwater, but it sends its female blooms up to the surface on a long coiled stalk. After pollination the stalk springs back down and pulls the fertilized flower underwater to set seed.

Caring for dwarf vallisneria

Push the roots of dwarf vallisneria into the substrate without burying the crown. It feeds mainly through its roots, so keep root tabs near it.

Dwarf vallisneria needs medium light and no added CO2. It tolerates a wide range of hardness and pH, from 6.5 to 8, and temperatures of 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).

It grows at a medium pace and spreads by runners until it carpets the back of the tank. Cut a daughter plant free once it has roots and plant it wherever you want more.

Good to know

Dwarf vallisneria's accepted name is Vallisneria nana R.Br., described by Robert Brown, and Vallisneria gigantea Graebn. is treated as its only synonym. It belongs to the family Hydrocharitaceae. It is one of the narrowest-leaved vals, with leaves usually under 1 cm wide, unlike the broader V. australis. Like other tape-grasses it is dioecious, with separate male and female plants. It is also sold as narrow-leaf val or native val.

In the wild

Dwarf vallisneria is native to the tropical rivers and billabongs of northern Australia, in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Its range extends through New Guinea, the Philippines, Cambodia and New Caledonia. It roots in sand and silt along the margins of slow rivers and pools, sending up narrow ribbon leaves. It is a fully submersed rosette plant that spreads by underground runners into dense grassy stands.

Common questions

Does dwarf vallisneria need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Bury the roots and leave the crown, where the leaves join, just above the substrate.

Does dwarf vallisneria need CO2?

No. Dwarf vallisneria grows well without added CO2.

How much light does dwarf vallisneria need?

Dwarf vallisneria wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does dwarf vallisneria need root tabs?

Yes. Dwarf vallisneria draws much of its food through its roots. Push root tabs in near it, or grow it in a nutrient-rich soil.

How do you propagate dwarf vallisneria?

Dwarf vallisneria propagates by runners. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does dwarf vallisneria grow?

Dwarf vallisneria grows to about 15.7 in (40 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.

Related plants