Blyxa aubertii

Blyxa aubertii has the widest distribution of any Blyxa species, found across tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia in rice paddies, marshes, and slow-moving streams. It produces significantly larger rosettes than B. japonica, with leaves reaching 20–40 cm and displaying a distinctive reddish tint along their length, particularly under bright light with CO2. In planted aquariums it works best as a bold midground accent or loose background grouping, providing contrasting form against broad-leaved plants. While it benefits from CO2 injection, it is more tolerant of low-tech conditions than its smaller relative and can maintain adequate growth in well-fertilised tanks without supplementation.

Light: Medium to high (40–80 PAR); reddish tones intensify under brighter illumination. CO2: Recommended; growth and colour significantly improved with supplementation. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3 months; weekly liquid iron and micronutrient dose. Placement: Midground to background; plant individually or in groups of 3–5 as accent plants. Propagation: Produces basal side shoots; divide and replant when shoots have developed roots.