Najas indica

Najas indica is native to tropical Asia, distributed from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia. It shares the fine-leaved, freely branching habit of other Najas species but prefers warmer water than the temperate N. flexilis, making it a better fit for tropical community tanks and warm-water shrimp setups. Its slender stems bear narrow, whorled leaves that form soft, cloud-like masses providing excellent refuge for invertebrates and fry. Under warm conditions growth is rapid, and it quickly establishes from scattered stem fragments. It is one of the most effective low-maintenance oxygenating plants for tropical setups, absorbing excess nutrients efficiently from the water column.

Light: Medium (20–50 PAR); adequate growth under standard community tank lighting. CO2: Not required; grows effectively on ambient dissolved CO2 in warm water. Fertilisation: Minimal water column feeder; dilute all-in-one liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. Placement: Floating or loosely anchored in background as oxygenator, spawning media, and shelter. Propagation: Stem fragments establish immediately; scatter cuttings wherever cover is needed.