Vallisneria tortissima (Vallisneria tortissima) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Vallisneria spiralis f. tortifolia, Twisted vallisneria
Family
Hydrocharitaceae (frogbit family)
Origin
Aquarium form of the Vallisneria spiralis group
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
15–28°C
pH
6.5–8.5
Hardness
5–20 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Vallisneria tortissima is a name used for the twisted-leaf form of Vallisneria spiralis (f. tortifolia), which some treat as a separate species. It is essentially the same plant as that sold as V. tortifolia: a compact eelgrass with tightly spiralled narrow leaves. Use it in the midground of small to medium tanks. Vallisneria generally prefers neutral to alkaline water, grows best in bright light but copes with moderate light, and does not need CO2. Plain gravel works if an iron-rich fertiliser is added now and then. Plant with the crown (where leaves meet roots) just above the substrate. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallisneriaspiralis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by runners from the base, each producing daughter plants along it. Once a daughter has its own roots, cut the runner and replant it elsewhere. Do not bury the crown when planting.

Compatibility and tank mates

A tough plant that most fish ignore, though goldfish, large cichlids and some herbivores eat the leaves. Diggers uproot young plants. Ideal for livebearer and community tanks; it tolerates slightly brackish water.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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