| Scientific Name | Juncus Repens |
| Common Name | Creeping Rush |
| Origin | North America (Southeast North America) |
| Water Parameters | 5 – 7 pH |
| Growth Rate | Moderate, 4 to 12 inches in height |
Juncus Repens is a grass like plant that is part of the rush family. The leaves of this plant grow in a way that gives them a similar appearance to lush, green grass. The stems of the Juncus Repens grow tall and the leaves grow narrow. It forms a carpet like covering that makes for a stunning addition to your aquarium. It can handle regular trimming, so don’t worry if it seems to be growing too tall. You can just trim it to your desired height without harming the plant. Juncus Repens can grow fully submerged or partially submerged. If your plant is partially submerged, it will even sprout flowers. If you keep this plant in high light conditions, it will turn reddish-brown in color.
How to Care for Juncus Repens in an Aquarium
Juncus Repens is considered an easy plant to care for in the home aquarium due to its ability to tolerate changing water and lighting conditions. It can grow fully or partially submerged in the water. If you choose to grow it partially submerged, you may even get your plant to flower.
Lighting Requirement for Juncus Repens
Juncus Repens does well in a range of lighting. The intensity of the lighting will change the color of the leaves to a reddish. It can live and thrive in low, medium, and high lighting. This makes it a perfect addition to the home aquarium no matter the lighting requirements of your fish inhabitants.
Temperature Requirement for Juncus Repens
Juncus Repens is a hardy plant that can tolerate cold water tank setups to lower heat tropical tanks. They can live and thrive in water temperatures that are around 40F to 82F. If they are kept in too hot of temperature you will begin to see the plant suffer.
Water pH for Juncus Repens
Juncus Repens can live and thrive in water that is 5.0 to 7.0 pH. This makes it a great choice for many different aquarium setups from cold freshwater tanks, to some cooler tropical tank setups.
Growth Rate for Juncus Repens
The growth rate of the Juncus Repens plant is described as moderate. This means that you will not have to worry about it growing out of hand too fast, and you will not have to wait too long for it to have the desired look you are after for your aquarium setup. This plant can grow anywhere from 4 inches in height up to 12 inches in height, but do not worry if this does not fit your aesthetic, you can trim your Juncus Repens down to the size that you desire.
Growth Height for Juncus Repens
Juncus Repens can grow anywhere from 4 inches in height to around 12 inches in height. Don’t worry if your plant grows past the water line, if you don’t wish for it to, you can trim it down to your desired height without hurting your plant.
Is CO2 Necessary to grow Juncus Repens?
It is not a necessary requirement to fertilize your Juncus Repens with CO2. If you choose to do so you will reap the benefit of larger, more lush plants, but they can grow and thrive without it.
Juncus Repens Propagation
If you are looking to propagate your Juncus Repens, you will be delighted to know that it is very easy. You simply look for a part of the stem where there is a node attached, and cut roughly one inch above the node and replant. Juncus Repens is easily propagated, and will grow stems from your cutting in no time.
How Do You Use Juncus Repens in Aquascaping?
Juncus Repens is a great addition to the home aquarium and it can provide not only a beautiful look, but enrichment for your fish as well. You can use Juncus Repens in a few different ways to enhance the look of your aquarium. It can be placed in between rocks as a buffer for your fish, or it can be used to create a carpet-like look to the aquarium floor for your fish to forage for food. It can also be grown to create a jungle like maze for smaller fish to roam. However you plan on aquascaping your aquarium, you should consider Juncus Repens.
Can You Grow A Juncus Repens Carpet?
It is possible to grow a Juncus Repens carpet in your aquarium. This is due to how easily the plant propagates. If you are going for a certain length to your Juncus Repens carpet, you will want to consider trimming it down occasionally. Trimming isn’t necessary as Juncus Repens can grow partially submerged as well. Remember that this plant can grow up to 12 inches tall.
Can You Grow Juncus Repens Submerged?
Juncus Repens can grow fully submerged in the water, but it can also grow partially submerged. If your Juncus Repens grows partially submerged, you could potentially get your plant to grow flowers and bloom.
Where Can I Find Juncus Repens for Sale?
If you are looking to add to your home aquarium’s look by adding some Juncus Repens, then you will be happy to know that they are not difficult to find. You can purchase Juncus Repens at many aquatic stores that sell plants, and you can also find them for sale online from plant nurseries. You can expect to pay around $14 per plant. The price can go up depending on the size of the plant and coloration.
What is Juncus Repens Red?
Juncus Repens Red refers to the plant’s coloration when it is exposed to high levels of lighting and has adequate nutrients. The intense light plus the nutrients will make the leaves of your plant change into a reddish hue. This is not harmful to your plant, but rather offers up even more decorative versatility when aquascaping your aquarium.
