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Vallisneria nana Tiger

Vallisneria nana 'Tiger'

Also known as Vallisneria spiralis Tiger, Vallisneria spiralis Leopard, Vallisneria nana Striped, Vallisneria Marmor, Tiger vallisneria

FreshwaterRosetteRunners

Care at a glance

Light
Medium light
CO2
No CO₂ needed
Temperature
59–82°F
15–28°C
Max height
23.6 in
60 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Rosette
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
3–18 dGH
Spread
5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed
Difficulty
Beginner
Family
Hydrocharitaceae
Origin
Australia

Overview

Vallisneria nana Tiger is a striped background grass for almost any freshwater tank, including hard water and unheated setups. It is a beginner plant.

Did you know

For years Vallisneria nana Tiger was sold as a striped Vallisneria spiralis under four fancy names. DNA analysis then showed it belongs to Vallisneria nana, so the species on the pot label is usually wrong.

Caring for Vallisneria nana Tiger

Push each Vallisneria nana Tiger plant into sand or fine gravel with the crown just proud of the substrate. Medium light is plenty, and it needs no CO2. It feeds through its roots and the water, so root tabs help in inert sand. It handles 59 to 82°F (15 to 28°C) and a pH of 6 to 8.

It grows fast and sends out runners until you have a curtain. Pull unwanted plantlets or cut the runner to contain it. Do not shear the leaf tips like a lawn, since cut leaves tend to rot back. Remove tired leaves whole at the base instead.

Good to know

Vallisneria nana Tiger belongs to Vallisneria nana, a narrow-leaved eelgrass in the family Hydrocharitaceae. It is mostly sold as Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger', 'Leopard', 'Striped' or 'Marmor'. Its narrow, grass-green ribbon leaves carry fine dark brown stripes and speckles. Under strong light they can pick up reddish-brown tones.

In the wild

Vallisneria nana grows in rivers, creeks and billabongs across northern Australia, rooted in sand and gravel in flowing water. It is a true submersed plant with no emersed form, and it flowers on long stalks that reach the surface. The Tiger form circulates through nursery culture rather than wild collection.

Common questions

Does Vallisneria nana Tiger need to be planted in the substrate?

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

Does Vallisneria nana Tiger need CO2?

No. Vallisneria nana Tiger grows well without added CO2.

How much light does Vallisneria nana Tiger need?

Vallisneria nana Tiger wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does Vallisneria nana Tiger need root tabs?

They help. Vallisneria nana Tiger takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Vallisneria nana Tiger?

Vallisneria nana Tiger propagates by runners. New plants grow along its runners. Cut one free once it has roots and plant it.

How tall does Vallisneria nana Tiger grow?

Vallisneria nana Tiger grows to about 23.6 in (60 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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