Jungle Val (Vallisneria Americana)

Jungle Val (Vallisneria Americana)

Jungle Val (Vallisneria americana), one of the classic Vallisneria species from North America, is a tall, grass-like plant that brings a wild, riverbed feel to freshwater aquariums. Its long, light to medium green leaves create a lush underwater “field” that sways in the current and provides a beautiful natural backdrop for fish and hardscape.

Jungle Val Overview

In the aquarium, Jungle Val grows from a strong rosette and sends up long, ribbon-like leaves that may show gentle twists or waves as they reach toward the surface. In most home aquariums, the leaves will commonly reach 8 inches or more, and in deeper tanks they can grow significantly taller, creating a dense, flowing curtain of greenery. In a planted aquarium, Jungle Val is especially appreciated for:

• Tall, grass-like backdrop: Its long, strap-shaped leaves make an ideal background or side planting, framing the aquascape and softening equipment and hardscape lines.
• Natural movement and “wild” look: The leaves sway with the water flow, giving the tank a dynamic, rivergrass appearance that works beautifully in nature-style layouts.
• Benefits for fish and tank health: Dense stands of Jungle Val provide shelter and line-of-sight breaks for fish, fry, and invertebrates, helping reduce stress. Its fast root growth also helps use up excess nutrients, supporting a more stable and balanced aquarium when combined with good maintenance.
• Spawning habitat for egg scatterers: Many egg-scattering fish—such as tetras, rainbowfish, and danios—readily deposit their eggs among the long leaves, which offer both a natural spawning site and cover for developing fry.

Planted in groups along the back and sides of the aquarium, Jungle Val quickly creates a lush, immersive background. It pairs nicely with midground plants like Anubias, Cryptocorynes or Swords and with foreground plants such as Dwarf Sagittaria or carpeting species. The tall leaves also look particularly attractive when emerging from behind aquascaping rocks or pieces of driftwood, giving the impression of a natural shoreline or stream edge.

Care Guide For Jungle Vallisneria 

Jungle Val is undemanding and well-suited to both beginners and experienced aquascapers. It will grow well in a wide range of aquarium conditions if provided with at least moderate lighting. While it does not require specialized planted-tank equipment, better light and a nutrient-rich substrate will encourage faster, fuller growth and deeper color.

The plant should be rooted in sand or fine gravel, or in a planted-tank substrate. Once established, Jungle Val develops a strong root system and begins to spread via runners, producing daughter plants that gradually form a thick stand. Because it is a background plant by nature, it works best when placed at the back or sides of the tank, or as a tall midground accent in larger aquariums.

Propagation occurs through these runners: small plantlets form along the runner and can either be left in place to form a natural colony or gently separated and replanted elsewhere. Under good conditions, Jungle Val may produce tiny white flowers on straight or slightly twisted stems that grow up toward the surface—a charming bonus in well-balanced aquariums.

• Light: Moderate (tolerates a range; grows stronger with better light)
• Temperature Range: 70–86°F
• Placement: Midground–Background
• CO₂: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast under good conditions

Jungle Val is also available potted, which can make initial planting and establishment even easier. If you enjoy this species, be sure to explore our broader Vallisneria selection at Modern Aquarium, including options like Italian Vallisneria, Corkscrew Vallisneria, and Jungle Red Val, allowing you to mix different heights and leaf shapes for a layered, grassy background.

Why Buy Jungle Val from Modern Aquarium