Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger'

Vallisneria spiralis 'Tiger' is a cultivated variety of the common straight Vallisneria, selected for the dramatic red-brown longitudinal striping that runs the length of its otherwise dark-green leaves. This pigmentation pattern makes it one of the most visually striking background plants available in the hobby and provides a striking contrast to the plain green forms of Vallisneria commonly encountered. It grows with the same vigour and ease as the species, tolerating hard, alkaline water without CO2 injection, and spreads freely by runners. The striping intensity is most pronounced under moderate to bright lighting and may fade somewhat in low-light conditions.

Light: Medium (30–60 PAR); striping is most vivid and consistent under moderate to bright illumination. CO2: Not required; grows vigorously without supplementation. Fertilisation: Root tabs every 3–4 months; liquid iron and micronutrients weekly to support pigmentation. Placement: Background groups of 5–10 for maximum colour impact; contrast against plain-green foreground plants. Propagation: Lateral runners produced freely; detach daughter plants and replant to fill the background.