{"product_id":"jungle-val-vallisneria-americana-bunch-freshwater-plant","title":"Jungle Val (Vallisneria americana) - Bunch","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E8F5E9;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJungle Val\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eVallisneria americana\u003c\/em\u003e) is the giant of the Vallisneria family, with long, flat ribbon leaves that easily reach the surface of a standard tank and then keep going. It spreads on its own by runners, so a few plants turn into a dense, swaying wall of green across the back of the tank. It is about as easy as aquarium plants get: low light, no CO2, and happy in hard water where many plants struggle. Build the rest of the layout from our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/freshwater-aquarium-plants\"\u003elive freshwater plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeparate the bunch and plant each one.\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove the band or weight holding the bunch together. Plant each plant so the roots are in the substrate and the crown, where the leaves meet the roots, sits right at the surface. A buried crown rots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e low to moderate. It is one of the best plants for basic lighting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCO2:\u003c\/strong\u003e not required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid liquid carbon.\u003c\/strong\u003e Vallisneria is known for melting when dosed with glutaraldehyde products such as Seachem Excel. If you use one, skip it in a tank with vals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFertilizer:\u003c\/strong\u003e a root feeder. Place \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-flourish-tabs\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e near the base of the plants every few months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater:\u003c\/strong\u003e 64 to 82°F, pH 6.5 to 8.0. It tolerates hard, alkaline water well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpect some early melt.\u003c\/strong\u003e Leaves damaged in shipping may yellow and die back in the first couple of weeks. Trim them off. Runners and new leaves follow once it roots in.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eVallisneria americana\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon names\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eJungle Val, Giant Val, Tape Grass, Eelgrass\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eRosette plant that spreads by runners\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eBeginner friendly\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight requirement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eLow to moderate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eNot required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eBackground\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e24 in to 6 ft, trails along the surface in shorter tanks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eModerate to fast once established\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater temperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e64 to 82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e6.5 to 8.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePropagation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eRunners, cut and replant the daughter plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eWide native range, including eastern North America\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSold as\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eOne bunch of plants\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #C8E6C9;padding:6px 10px;vertical-align:top;\"\u003eIn-store pickup only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding-left:8px;\"\u003ePlacement and Companions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere it goes:\u003c\/strong\u003e along the back glass of tall tanks, 40 gallons and up is ideal. In a shorter tank the leaves will reach the top and lie across the surface, which can shade the plants below. Trim long leaves at the base when that happens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOther easy tall plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/anacharis-egeria-densa-bunch-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAnacharis\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hornwort-ceratophyllum-demersum-freshwater-plant\"\u003eHornwort\u003c\/a\u003e are fast, forgiving bunch plants for the same job, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amazon-sword-echinodorus-grisebachii-potted-freshwater-plant\"\u003eAmazon Sword\u003c\/a\u003e makes a strong centerpiece in front of a val wall.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFish and invertebrates:\u003c\/strong\u003e the long leaves give fry and shy fish cover, and it suits livebearers, many cichlids and hard water community tanks. Safe with shrimp and snails. Goldfish may nibble it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-flourish-tabs\"\u003eSeachem Flourish Tabs\u003c\/a\u003e: root tabs for this root feeder.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/caribsea-eco-complete-planted-aquarium-black\"\u003eCaribSea Eco-Complete\u003c\/a\u003e: a nutrient-rich substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-flourish-comprehensive-supplement\"\u003eSeachem Flourish\u003c\/a\u003e: a gentle water column fertilizer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hornwort-ceratophyllum-demersum-freshwater-plant\"\u003eHornwort\u003c\/a\u003e: a fast, easy background partner.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #2E7D32;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMy vals are melting. What happened?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nThe two usual causes are transplant stress in the first couple of weeks, which passes, and liquid carbon products, which vals often cannot tolerate. Trim the dead leaves, stop any liquid carbon, and give it time to root in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow tall does it get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nTall. Leaves regularly reach several feet, so in most tanks they will reach the surface and trail. Trim individual leaves at the base to control it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I get it to spread?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nHealthy plants send out runners with new daughter plants on their own. Feed the roots with root tabs and do not bury the crowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need soft water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nNo. Vallisneria handles hard, alkaline water better than most aquarium plants.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50517712666843,"sku":"PLANT-JUNVAL","price":6.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/jungle.jpg?v=1790354170","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/jungle-val-vallisneria-americana-bunch-freshwater-plant","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}