Juncus repens (Dwarf Creeping Rush, Lesser Creeping Rush)
Juncus repens var. ABC (Dwarf Creeping Rush, Lesser Creeping Rush)
A dwarf member of the grass-like Rush family suitable for small and large aquariums. Thrives in a variety of conditions and can be trimmed for a easier, faster growing alternative to foreground grass-like plants such as Eleocharis. Perfect for anyone who has ever wished grass could grow underwater!
QUICK NOTES:
Difficulty: Very Easy
Type: Rosette/Stem - Grass-like
Size: Up to 8-30cm in height
Position and Usage: Foreground (when trimmed) to background. Looks great in a group or planted around rocks and driftwood.
Growth rate: Moderate to Fast - steady growth rate
Lighting: 1/5 - 5/5
Water Conditions: 18 - 25°C, pH - 6.5 to 7.5
CO2: Not required
Propagation: Unrooted baby plantlets can be clipped and replanted, adults can be split.
Special Requirements: None. Benefits from micronutrient and Iron supplementation as well as rich substrates for vigorous, lush growth.
Notes and curiousities: Leaf blades turn reddish with to high lighting. The smallest member of the rush family, Juncus repens grows well entirely submerged but is also suitable for emersed or partially emersed growth in Wabi Kusa and Paludariums. Native to North America, this plant was first popularized for aquariums in Europe.
Description
Juncus repens is an extremely undemanding grass-like plant with a steady growth rate. It is native to the southeastern United States. Unlike other members of the rush family, Juncus repens is small and is well suited to fully submerged growth even without CO2 or bright lighting. A spectacular choice for a low-tech aquarium.
Our 'ABC' cultivar tends to be a deeper green and is smaller, more grass-like than is typical. Growing around compact rosettes resembling mini hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis 'Mini') and dwarf sag (Saggitaria sublata), it maintains a clean and neat appearance. When trimmed it can make a striking lawn in the foreground of even small aquaria with similar aesthetic effect as the more demanding Eleocharis 'Mini'.
Juncus repens is described as a stem plant with rosette nodes. Our variety resembles a more typical rosette though shoots will emerge bearing baby rosettes which can be clipped and planted. Adults can also be split, and the resulting halves can be replanted independently. It is easily propagated, and you will have enough to grow a satisfying lawn in little time.
For aquascaping, Juncus repens 'ABC' is extremely versatile. It can be trimmed short and planted in large groups for a low-tech carpet, lawn, or meadow. It is also used to great effect between hardscape, filling gaps and giving rocks or driftwood a natural look - blending and tying everything together. Without trimming, it can make a unique and interesting backdrop for your aquarium.
This plant is extremely undemanding and one of the easiest to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginners or low-tech set-ups. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and water conditions, thriving in cold water or tropical discus aquariums alike. It does prefer softer water, but it is very adaptable. Our tissue culture specimens are acclimated to moderate hardness.
While quite forgiving, Juncus repens 'ABC' rewards the advanced aquarist with perks! Bright light and good micronutrient (especially iron) levels will turn the top of the leaves a reddish color which becomes more intense with lighting. CO2 will increase the growth rate and rich substrate will encourage dense incredibly lush plants. Good water circulation is appreciated.
Aquarium inhabitants appreciate the soft foliage which provides great hiding and resting spots for baby shrimp, fry or shy fish. It is not an especially delicate plant, nor is it especially rigid so it is unlikely to injure or be injured by your aquarium's inhabitants. Like most plants, it may be eaten by large goldfish.
While Juncus repens is a fantastic aquarium plant, it also does very well emersed or semi-emersed. It is an iconic plant in Wabi Kusa and looks great in Paludariums. It is an ideal replacement for common grass in any habitat with waterlogged soil/substrate.
