Najas madagascariensis

Najas madagascariensis differs markedly from the other najad species in the aquarium hobby. This remarkable species from Madagascar is hardly available in the trade and rather rarely cultivated. It develops long, branched stems which are not as fragile as in other Najas species. The stiff, to about 3 cm long, dark green leaves resemble pine needles.

The Madagascar najad grows very fast and is quite undemanding. It thrives in a wide temperature range of about 20-30 °C, in soft to medium hard water, with medium to strong lighting. It can be grown free floating below the water surface, but looks better when it is planted into the ground. As well as other stem plants, it can be propagated by cuttings, furthermore it forms runner-like creeping stems above the ground. Occasionally shoot parts break off, however this is a typical feature of Najas species.