Juncus repens

Juncus repens: Flexible Grass-Like Aquarium Stem Plant 

Juncus repens is a flexible, grass-like aquarium plant that adds a soft, natural flow to your layout. Native to the southeastern USA, it thrives in both low-tech and high-tech setups, making it a popular choice for aquascapers of all experience levels.

Its fine, needle-like leaves grow upright or gently arch depending on light intensity and current. Under strong light and CO₂, Juncus repens develops subtle bronze-red tones, especially on the upper leaves, adding visual contrast to a green-dominated aquascape.

This plant works beautifully in the midground or background, especially in Nature-style layouts, where it complements mosses, crypts, and other stem plants. It's also suitable for paludariums and terrariums, due to its amphibious growth habit.

Trim regularly to maintain shape and density, or let it grow taller for a more natural, free-flowing aesthetic. It can also be planted densely to form a grass-like curtain effect.

For aquascapers looking for a unique, easy-to-maintain plant that brings grassy textures and vertical contrast to their aquarium, Juncus repens is an outstanding choice. Its hardiness, slow but steady growth, and ability to adapt to various setups make it a top-tier plant for both beginners and experienced hobbyists.

Is Juncus repens suitable for low-tech tanks?
Yes - it grows well without CO₂, though colour and density improve with better lighting and fertilisation.

Does it stay green or change colour?
In low light it stays green. Under high light, the tips can take on a bronze or reddish hue.

How tall does it grow?
It can reach 20-30 cm, depending on conditions, but can be trimmed to fit midground use.

Can it grow emersed?
Yes - it’s amphibious and works well in paludariums and humid terrariums.