Description
Contortion Val ( Vallisneria asiatica ) is a hardy freshwater aquarium plant known for its narrow, spiraling green leaves that create a distinctive twisted appearance as they grow. This easy-care plant adds movement and texture to aquarium backgrounds and is especially useful for creating a natural, grass-like curtain of vegetation. Contortion Val grows from a rooted rosette and spreads through runners, allowing it to form attractive groups over time. It is adaptable to a variety of freshwater conditions and does not require CO₂ supplementation, making it a good choice for beginner and low-tech planted aquariums.
Temperature: 68–82°F (20–28°C)
Placement: Background to Midground
Difficulty: Easy
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Lighting: Low to Moderate
pH: 6.0–8.0
Water Hardness: Soft to Hard
Substrate: Standard aquarium substrate; benefits from nutrient-rich substrate or root nutrients
Fertilizer: Root nutrients and occasional liquid fertilizer encourage healthy growth; CO₂ not required
Propagation: Runners (stolons) that produce new plantlets
Maximum Size: Up to 12–20 inches
Approximate Shipping Size: 6–10 inches
