Grass Plants

by Robert Paul H

There are many different aquatic plants that have a grass like appearance which are suitable for the aquarium.

Some may be short, while others are tall. Some are almost hair like while others may have flat or twisted ribbon like leaves.

Photo by Jeff  Senske

The most common species are some of the most inexpensive plants in the hobby, such as Sagittaria, Vallisneria, and the dwarf Echinodorus species, (Pigmy chain swords).

Vallisneria is found in tropic regions all over the world in bogs, marshes, and swamps. Contortion vals are one of the largest: 24 to 30" in length, while the Corkscrew vals have a similar appearance, reach only 12 to15" in height.

'Italian', and 'Jungle' vals have a flat wide leaf that can take on a reddish hue and also grow to 2 to 3 feet in length.

The reason these plants have been so prevalent in the hobby for so long is because they are relatively easy to care for. They respond best to a nutrient rich bottom and moderate to bright light. They also do well in hard water and under bright light will strip CO2 from the KH molecule, causing biogenetic de-calcification. 

From an aquascaping standpoint, Vals create strong vertical lines and has the most dramatic effect when planted in tight groups or rows. They can be planted close together and will send out runners with new plants. When buying Corkscew vals, they are often only a few inches tall with very shallow roots. Be sure to plant these where they will not be overshadowed by larger plants in order to give them time to establish themselves.

Sagittaria subulata is found on the American east coast and parts of South America and grows up to 24" tall. The dwarf version, var subulata, can reach up to 12" tall, but typically is 6 to 8" tall. This is a very undemanding plant that will do best under moderate to bright light, but tolerates lower lighting better than any other grass like plant. Other varieties include var gracillima which grows 24 to 36" tall, and var. kurtziana which grows up to 20" tall.

Echinodorus is known to the hobby as "Sword plants" and includes a small number of grass like species known as "Pigmy chain swords". This includes E. tenellus, E latifolius, and E. quadricostatus. There appears to be different varieties of tenellus ranging in size and shape somewhat. In America what is typically sold as tenellus can reach a height of over 6", but the true dwarf tenellus, sometimes called micro tenellus, is much shorter and suitable for a low carpet foreground.

Micro tenellus bunches with runners sticking up. Ten or more plants per bunch.

E latifolius has somewhat wider leaves and is a little taller. E. quadricostatus, or Cuban chain sword has more spoon shaped leaves. All are relatively easy with a nutrient rich bottom and water, and moderate to bright light. These plants also respond well to CO2 addition.

Other grass like plants include Blyxa japonica, and Eleocharis, (hairgrass family).

Common dwarf hairgrass species include parvulus, vivipara, and acicularis. Parvulus is the true dwarf specie or shortest in height of the bunch. Acicularis is a bit taller, but easily pruned. Vivipara will produce baby plants at the ends of the leaves

dwarf hairgrass, by Tom Barr

Lilaeopsis is another grass like plant that grows into a very thick sod like lawn. This plant requires bright light and a soft nutrient rich substrate. Often called Micro sword, it reaches a maximum height of three inches.

Lilaeopsis foreground, by John Martin