Much of Asia and many Pacific islands; introduced elsewhere
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
20–30°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 helpful
Care
Monochoria vaginalis is an annual or short-lived perennial of rice paddies and shallow water across Asia, growing from a small rhizome. It has shiny green heart-shaped to oval leaves up to about 12 cm long on rigid, hollow stalks, and spikes of purple-blue flowers. In northern Luzon young plants are eaten as a vegetable. Our sources do not describe its aquarium use. It is an emergent plant that may produce underwater leaves for a time; it is probably best in a paludarium or warm pond, or in the background of an open tank where it can grow above the surface. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is a serious weed of rice and is on the US Federal Noxious Weed List. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monochoriavaginalis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Mainly by seed: the capsules hold many tiny winged seeds that germinate on wet mud. Rooted side shoots can also be separated.
Compatibility and tank mates
Tough leaves are usually ignored by fish, but large cichlids and diggers can uproot young plants, so protect the base with stones until rooted. Shrimp and snails do no harm.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
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Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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