Vallisneria gigantea

1. **Water Conditions**: Vallisneria gigantea prefers soft to slightly hard water with a pH between 6.5 and 8.0. Make sure to maintain a water temperature between 22°C and 28°C to promote optimal growth.

2. **Adequate Lighting**: This plant requires moderate to bright lighting for optimal growth. Make sure your aquarium is equipped with adequate lighting for aquatic plants, with a daily lighting duration of approximately 10 to 12 hours.

3. **Nutrient substrate**: Use a nutrient-enriched substrate for aquatic plants or a substrate specially designed for aquariums. Make sure the substrate allows for good water circulation and allows the roots to spread freely.

4. **Liquid Fertilization**: As with most aquatic plants, you can regularly fertilize Vallisneria gigantea with a complete liquid fertilizer specially designed for aquatic plants. Follow product instructions for application.

5. **Pruning and Care**: Prune dead or damaged leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Also be sure to clean the leaves regularly to prevent debris and dirt buildup.

6. **Propagation**: Vallisneria gigantea spreads by stolons (horizontal stems). It also produces propagules which break off and fall to the bottom of the aquarium to form new plants. You can replant them in the substrate to obtain new specimens.

7. **Pest and Disease Monitoring**: Keep an eye out for signs of pests such as slugs, snails or algae. Treat any problems promptly to prevent them from getting worse and affecting the health of the plant.

By following these tips, you should be able to successfully maintain Vallisneria gigantea in your aquarium, adding a beautiful touch of greenery to your aquatic ecosystem.