Congo water fern
The Congo water fern grows in similar habitats to the Anubias. Its vigorous rhizome covers stones and roots like a carpet along the banks of rivers and streams. Submerged fronds are dark green, transparent, and incredibly ornamental. Avoid strong lighting for this plant since it prefers shade. It also prefers stronger water flow, such as near to the outflow from the filter. A good CO2 supply will ensure lush growth. We highly recommend binding these plants to wood and roots.
The giant Vallisneria is a highly variable aquatic plant that is native to Australia. Its long, narrow leaves can reach gigantic proportions under good conditions - up to 3 m in length is not uncommon. Giant Vallisneria is very popular for use in discus aquaria and aquaria for East African cichlids from the Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika. These fish need harder water, which can be a problem for a lot of plants. Vallisneria australis ‘Gigantea’ actually prefers it.
Miniature dwarf Anubias
It doesn’t get smaller than this! This is probably the smallest Anubias in the world and is a real boon to any underwater landscape. In terms of cultivation and care it is just as robust as the original form, but needs a little more light to produce lovely, compact greenery. This dwarf form can be used in a 10 L Nano Cube or larger. These plants have a most natural appearance when tied to delicate roots or driftwood. Red bogwood is perfectly suited to this purpose. Alternatively, showcase your 'bonsai’ Anubias on a canvas of decorative rocks.
Perennial, free floating, monoecious. Roots numerous, red colored. Stem creeping horizontally, frequently fragmenting. Leaves alternate in a compact series, sessile; leaf blade orbicular, pubescent, venation pinnate, with regions between veins raised and swollen; margin entire. Inflorescence axillary, solitary. Flowers small, unisexual, short-petiolate; perianth of 5-6 imbricate segments, white. Berries red to green. Dispersal by seed and stem fragments.
Curly-leaved giant vallis
After Vallisneria spiralis, Vallisneria australis is the most frequently cultivated plant in this genus. The growth habit of the 'Curly' variety features attractive, bullate leaves and adds a decorative effect to any background. Large aquaria are absolutely essential here since the leaves can reach 100 - 200 cm in length. Propagation occurs via runners, which should be removed regularly to prevent uncontrolled growth. These plants thrive best in medium-hard to hard water.