Blyxa japonica

Scientific name: Blyxa japonica

Family: Hydrocharitaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 5 - 15 cm (1.97 - 5.91 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 5 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 2 - 12°N (35.71 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Lateral shoots

Origin (in the wild): East Asia

How fast these plants grow: Normal

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Middle

Common Name

Blyxa japonica

Origin

Eastern Asia; they are found in shallow pools and marshes as well as forest streams in tropical Asia.

Lighting Requirements

Bright, higher lighting levels will produce deeper colours in the leaves. If you wish to keep the green colouration under higher lighting levels the addition of an iron supplement will help with this otherwise a reddy/golden colouration will develop in the leaves.

Propagation

This Blyxa is extremely easy to propagate, it will develop basal shoots which develop into miniature plants in their own right. It is simply a matter of pulling these side shoots away from the mother plant and securing then into the substrate, a root system will quickly develop. They are very buoyant so a little lead weighting may assist in keeping them secure initially. After a few weeks, even the side shoots that have been re-planted should show root systems on various stems allowing you to split them yet again to produce even more juvenile plants.

Difficulty

Medium; they can be difficult to grow if not given the right conditions.

Short Description

This plant has become very popular recently, especially in the hobby of aquascaping planted tanks but their greatest popularity was when they were first introduced to the hobby in the early 1900’s. They resemble a grass, sometimes they are referred to as the bamboo plant but this description can be misleading, but they are not. CO₂ injection will definitely help in their growth as well as bright lighting and plenty of nutrients in the water. If conditions are met they will produce leaves with a reddish hue and are small and compact, if they are lacking in their requirements, they will develop into tall lanky plants with no strength, their colouration will also take on a duller green tone. Blyxa japonica makes for a great midground plant, too tall for the foreground and not tall enough for the background if you wish to balance the foliage in the aquarium.