Jungle Val - Vallisneria Americana

Jungle Val, or Vallisneria Americana, the must-have in every beginner's tank. This plant isn't just a green companion; it's the easygoing, resilient superstar that can thrive in virtually any tank setup.

Imagine this: leaves that can gracefully stretch up to a whopping 6 feet, making it the perfect fit for tanks of all sizes, especially those grand ones. But here's the cool part—Jungle Val doesn't just stay put. It sends out runners along the substrate, creating a lush carpet of greenery. And guess what? You can play gardener by trimming those runners and relocating them elsewhere in the tank. It's like growing your own aquatic jungle!

Now, here's a little heads up: when you introduce Jungle Val to your tank, don't be surprised if some of the older leaves decide to take a break. It's a normal process. But here's the good news—keep an eye out for new growth within a few days. That's the plant telling you, "I'm good, let the green party continue!"

Ready to turn your tank into a lush, vibrant paradise? Jungle Val is the green ticket for beginners and seasoned aquarists alike, promising a hassle-free, jungle-inspired underwater world.

Appearance:

• Elegant ribbons: Jungle Val boasts long, ribbon-like leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in length, gracefully swaying with the water current. These tall, slender leaves create a sense of movement and depth in your aquascape, adding a touch of natural elegance.
  
  
• Emerald glow: Under moderate lighting, the leaves radiate a vibrant emerald green hue, contrasting beautifully with colorful fish and darker backgrounds. Higher lighting can even bring out hints of yellow and golden tones.
  
  
• Subtle details: While the long leaves steal the show, the base of the plant reveals intricate patterns and textures on the submerged stems. These subtle details add another layer of visual interest to your underwater world.

Adaptability and Care:

• Undemanding friend: The Jungle Val is a true survivor! It thrives in a wide range of water conditions, tolerating temperatures between 68-82°F (20-28°C), moderate to high lighting, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH range. This makes it ideal for beginners and experienced aquascapers alike.
  
  
• Fast grower: This plant readily sends out runners, quickly forming dense clumps of long leaves. Regular trimming is crucial to prevent overgrowth and maintain its desired shape. However, trimming also provides you with plenty of propagules to share with friends or expand your jungle!
  
  
• Nutrient needs: While not high-maintenance, Jungle Val appreciates occasional fertilization with root tabs or liquid nutrients to maintain its vibrant green color and support its rapid growth.

Benefits:

• Visual impact: The tall, swaying leaves of Jungle Val create a stunning focal point in any aquascape. They add a sense of verticality and elegance, mimicking the underwater meadows of natural environments.
  
  
• Fish haven: The dense foliage provides excellent hiding places and security for fish fry, shrimp, and other small aquatic creatures. They'll feel safe and comfortable exploring the underwater jungle.
  
  
• Water purifier: This plant helps absorb excess nutrients from the water, preventing algae growth and maintaining good water quality for a healthy ecosystem.
  
  
• Oxygen provider: Jungle Val contributes to oxygenation in the water column, further benefitting the health of your aquatic inhabitants.

Here are some additional tips for caring for Jungle Val:

• Avoid planting Vallisneria crowns too deep in the substrate, as this can hinder growth.
• Ensure sufficient nutrients and moderate-to-high lighting for optimal leaf size and coloration.
• Regular trimming promotes healthy growth and desired shape.
• Don't be surprised if your Jungle Val occasionally goes through periods of slower growth or leaf shrinkage. This is often a natural response to changes in lighting or nutrient levels, and the plant will usually bounce back once conditions stabilize.

TLDR:

Scientific Name: Vallisneria Americana Gigantea

Sold As: Individual rooted plants

Care Level: Easy

Lighting Requirement: Low-Med

Co2: Not Needed

Growth Rate: Medium

Origin: Asia

Tank Placement: Midground-Background

Most plants are sold as trimmings from rooted plants unless otherwise stated. All trimmings will be at least 3" in height unless otherwise noted.