Description
Plant Profile
Elodea Najas, widely known as Anacharis Najas or Narrow Leaf Anacharis, is one of the easiest, most resilient aquatic stem plants in the freshwater hobby. Native to South America, this beginner-friendly species features slender, slightly textured, bright green leaves lined along fast-growing vertical stems. Thinner and more delicate in appearance than its popular relative Egeria densa, Elodea Najas thrives under a wide spectrum of conditions. Whether planted directly into substrate or left floating freely in the water column, it acts as an excellent natural shelter for fish fry while outcompeting nuisance algae.
*Restricted State Notice: Please be aware that certain species of Anacharis may be classified as restricted or noxious weeds in specific states. It is the responsibility of the customer to review and stay informed of their local and state regulations before purchasing.
Key Features & Benefits
Nearly indestructible, a rewarding choice for first-time planted aquarium owners.
Rapid growth acts as a natural nitrate sponge for crystal-clear water.
Anchor in substrate or float freely for cover for fry and shrimp.
Care & Planting Instructions
Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, or allow stems to float freely along the water surface.
Provide low-to-medium lighting for steady growth; while pressurized CO2 injection is not required, keeping water temperatures slightly cooler (68–75°F) yields firmer stems.
Maintain stable water parameters and supply basic liquid fertilizers to support rapid leaf development.
Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the water surface, and simply replant the trimmings into substrate to propagate new stems. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Elodea najas (syn. Egeria najas)
Common Name(s)
Anacharis Najas, Elodea Najas, Narrow Leaf Anacharis, Brazilian Waterweed
Family
Hydrocharitaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Stem Plant / Floating Plant
Care Difficulty
Super Easy / Beginner
Light Requirement
Low to Medium
CO2 Requirement
Not Required
Placement / Usage
Background / Floating Cover
Height / Size
4–12”+
Growth Rate
Moderate to Fast
Water Parameters
pH 6.5–7.5 | Prefers cooler to moderate water (65–78°F)
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops)
Origin
South America
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How does Elodea Najas differ from Egeria Densa (Standard Anacharis)?
Elodea Najas features narrower, thinner, and slightly serrated/textured leaves along its stem compared to Egeria densa, which produces broader, smooth green leaves in thicker whorls.
3. Can Elodea Najas grow floating on the water surface?
Yes! Elodea Najas takes up nutrients directly from the water column, making it fully capable of thriving as a free-floating plant matrix that offers excellent cover for shrimp and young fish fry.
