Elodea Najas
Plant Profile
Elodea Najas, widely known as Anacharis Najas or Narrow Leaf Anacharis, is one of the easiest, most resilient aquatic stem plants in the freshwater hobby. Native to South America, this beginner-friendly species features slender, slightly textured, bright green leaves lined along fast-growing vertical stems. Thinner and more delicate in appearance than its popular relative Egeria densa, Elodea Najas thrives under a wide spectrum of conditions. Whether planted directly into substrate or left floating freely in the water column, it acts as an excellent natural shelter for fish fry while outcompeting nuisance algae.
*Restricted State Notice: Please be aware that certain species of Anacharis may be classified as restricted or noxious weeds in specific states. It is the responsibility of the customer to review and stay informed of their local and state regulations before purchasing.
Key Features & Benefits
- Nearly indestructible growth habit makes it an exceptionally rewarding choice for first-time planted aquarium owners.
- Rapid growth rate functions as a powerful natural nitrate sponge, absorbing excess water column nutrients to promote crystal-clear water.
- Can be anchored into substrate or floated freely on the surface to provide cover for young fish fry and shrimp.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Remove lead weight and remove cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, or allow stems to float freely along the water surface.
- Provide low-to-medium lighting for steady growth; while pressurized CO2 injection is not required, keeping water temperatures slightly cooler (68–75°F) yields firmer stems.
- Maintain stable water parameters and supply basic liquid fertilizers to support rapid leaf development.
- Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the water surface, and simply replant the trimmings into substrate to propagate new stems. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute | Specification |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Elodea najas (syn. Egeria najas) |
| Common Name(s) | Anacharis Najas, Elodea Najas, Narrow Leaf Anacharis, Brazilian Waterweed |
| Family | Hydrocharitaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Stem Plant / Floating Plant |
| Care Difficulty | Super Easy / Beginner |
| Light Requirement | Low to Medium |
| CO2 Requirement | Not Required |
| Placement / Usage | Background / Floating Cover |
| Height / Size | 4–12”+ |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.5–7.5 | Prefers cooler to moderate water (65–78°F) |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) |
| Origin | South America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How does Elodea Najas differ from Egeria Densa (Standard Anacharis)?
Elodea Najas features narrower, thinner, and slightly serrated/textured leaves along its stem compared to Egeria densa, which produces broader, smooth green leaves in thicker whorls.
3. Can Elodea Najas grow floating on the water surface?
Yes! Elodea Najas takes up nutrients directly from the water column, making it fully capable of thriving as a free-floating plant matrix that offers excellent cover for shrimp and young fish fry.