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Add to My Garden Tape grass
Vallisneria spiralis
Also known as: Eel grass, Tapeweed
Tape grass (Vallisneria spiralis) is a tropical or subtropical plant that is commonly cultivated in aquariums. The leaves range in color from pale green to reddish and can grow up to 91 cm long. Vallisneria spiralis easily spreads and is considered an invasive introduced species in some regions.
7 to 10
Hardiness Zones
More Info
Flower Color
White
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Green
Scientific Classification
Distribution Map
Habitat
Still and flowing water
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Tape grass
Sunlight 
Temperature How much sunlight should Tape grass get per day to grow healthily?
Tape grass requires about 6 hours of direct and continuous sunlight daily. These are desirable to help them grow healthily, and this will help them grow faster. You might also want to provide these species with supplemental light during the winter with the help of lamps. The species need several hours of unobstructed sunlight to have vibrant foliage, so you might want to place them in the brightest areas of your garden or indoor nursery.
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What type of sunlight does Tape grass need?
They are suited to a full sun and don't tend to tolerate shady areas. It's best to have at least 8 inches of space for each plant especially if you’re planting a lot of them so each can get a lot of sunlight. Generally, the Tape grass has a high demand for direct, full, and abundant sunlight. During summers, you can place them outside in the morning sun, so they will have enough light to grow.
They don't do well with partial sunlight and don't tolerate filtered or part shade. They might also not grow well when a huge tree constantly provides shade, so plant them in areas without obstruction.
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Should I protect Tape grass from sun exposure?
The Tape grass should never avoid sun exposure because they seek and love the bright light. They love the sun so much that they require at least 6 hours of exposure regardless of the climate. Some areas, especially during the fall and spring, don't need protection because they require full sunlight. However, if you're located in a tropical climate or if the summer sun is too much, it's always possible to transfer the potted species inside until the temperature cools down again. Overall, you don't need to plant them near buildings, tall trees, and other structures because they need full sun for at least 6 hours.
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What will happen if Tape grass gets inadequate sunlight?
If there's insufficient light, the Tape grass will not thrive. This is going to result in poor growth. Fungi and bacteria can feed on the plants' tissues, which are generally common for the plants grown in shady areas.
When the plants receive too little sunlight, they tend to become spindly. They will have weaker stems because they are constantly seeking to receive light, and this can result in wilting or brown leaves. You might want to see if there are insects present or a rhizome rot in Tape grass as this can be another sign that they are not receiving enough sunlight. If this is the case, put them in another area where they will receive bright and direct light to see if it will make a difference.
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Does Tape grass need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
During their growing phase, you need to expose the plants to the sun so that they don't have to stretch and grow upwards. You can avoid the process of etiolation and prevent the stems of Tape grass from growing weak. This is generally prevalent for those that are receiving no sun or are in a partially shaded area when they are young.
When they are already established and have matured, you also need to continuously expose them to a full sun because they need photosynthesis to grow more. When they are placed inside a greenhouse or a nursery for a very long time, and you decide to transfer them into a garden, you need to gradually introduce them to the bright lights. Still, you should never suddenly place them in direct heat, especially if it's mid-afternoon. They need a period to adapt and to become used to the intensity of sunlight in your area, so give them some much-needed time.
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How much light does Tape grass need for photosynthesis?
As mentioned, the Tape grass needs 6 to 7 hours of direct sunlight to do the process of photosynthesis. This helps them produce enough food to grow. You can make this easier for yourself when you group them together and plant them in the same spot in your garden. This way, they will get enough of their light requirements to produce flowers, grow sturdy stems, and produce the glucose that they need for their food.
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How to protect Tape grass from sun and heat damage?
As mentioned, the Tape grass loves the sun, but sometimes too much can hurt it. However, too much harsh sunlight can actually burn the leaves in the summer. When planted in the ground, you might want to add to their watering schedule so they will have protection. Exposure to the blades can result in sunburn, especially when the day's sun is too strong. It's highly recommended to spray some water to cool down the leaves a bit.
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Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Tape grass?
You need to minimize transplanting shock, especially for the young and newly-planted Tape grass. These species will need time to adjust to their new environment but make sure to choose a location where they will get the full sunlight they need. The amount of sunlight matters as well as the season. Water them during the hottest days to reduce stress, and you might want to cover the young ones when the temperatures are extremely high. Row covers and shade cloths might be applicable for the younger ones, but the mature plants might not need them, especially if they already have established roots and stems. When you see that the Tape grass begins to lose its color, this might be because it is not receiving enough sunlight to do photosynthesis. There's not enough chlorophyll to depict a green color; if this is the case, you need to transfer it to an area receiving bright sunlight.
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About
More Info
Distribution
Care FAQ
Related Plants
Related Articles
Add to My Garden Tape grass
Vallisneria spiralis
Also known as: Eel grass, Tapeweed
7 to 10
Hardiness Zones
More Info
Flower Color
White
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Green
Scientific Classification
Distribution Map
Habitat
Still and flowing water
Map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
Questions About Tape grass
Sunlight Temperature How much sunlight should Tape grass get per day to grow healthily?
Free
What type of sunlight does Tape grass need?
Free
Should I protect Tape grass from sun exposure?
Free
What will happen if Tape grass gets inadequate sunlight?
Does Tape grass need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
Show More ![more]()
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
Let us help take all the guesswork out of your gardening.
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