Egeria densa

Egeria densa is native to South America — particularly Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil — and has become one of the most widely used aquarium plants worldwide due to its extraordinary ease of cultivation. It produces dense whorls of bright-green, lance-shaped leaves along rapidly elongating stems, growing so quickly that it can visibly lengthen within days under good light. This vigorous growth absorbs nutrients efficiently, outcompeting algae and improving water clarity. It tolerates an exceptionally wide range of temperatures, water hardness, and pH, making it suitable for virtually every type of freshwater aquarium including cold water setups. Regular trimming is essential to prevent it overrunning the tank.

Light: Medium (30–60 PAR); grows in virtually any lighting condition. CO2: Not required; one of the most efficient users of ambient dissolved CO2. Fertilisation: Minimal — water column feeder; occasional all-in-one liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Placement: Background in large bunches; trim tops regularly and replant cuttings to maintain density. Propagation: Stem cuttings of any length root immediately; pinch and plant any trimmed section.