Blyxa alternifolia

Blyxa alternifolia is native to Southeast Asia and is botanically unusual within the genus Blyxa for producing leaves in an alternate arrangement along a gradually elongating stem rather than in the typical compact rosette. This gives it a more stem-plant-like appearance, with leaves of 15–30 cm arranged along an upright shoot that can eventually reach 30 cm or more. In the aquarium it creates a distinctive, slender silhouette that contrasts interestingly with rosette and broad-leaved plants. Like other Blyxa species it prefers warm, soft to moderately hard water and benefits from CO2 supplementation and moderate to bright light, though it is somewhat more forgiving than the demanding B. echinosperma.

Light: Medium to high (40–80 PAR); elongated stem form best expressed under moderate to bright illumination. CO2: Recommended; supplementation maintains healthy, sustained growth. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid iron and comprehensive micronutrient dose. Placement: Midground as an upright accent; effective as a transition plant between foreground and background. Propagation: Side shoots produced on the elongating stem; remove and replant when rooted.