SafePlants

Blyxa japonica: An Aquatic Delight

Blyxa japonica, often referred to as Dwarf Soft Rush or Japanese Bamboo Plant (though note there is conflicting information about whether Blyxa japonica or Blyxa aubertii is known as Japanese Bamboo Plant), is a popular aquatic plant prized for its aesthetic appeal in aquariums.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Blyxa japonica
• Family: Hydrocharitaceae
• Genus: Blyxa
• Synonyms: Blyxa Noroa ex Thouars
• Note: The genus Blyxa belongs to the Angiosperms, also known as flowering plants.

Distribution and Habitat

• Blyxa japonica is native to South Asia, thriving in subtropical environments.
• It can be found in stagnant, shallow pools, marshes, and slow-moving, iron-rich forest streams.
• Blyxa aubertii has a much wider distribution including China, Japan, Korea, the Indian Subcontinent, SE Asia, New Guinea, N Australia, Caroline Islands, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It is also found across Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia, but not known from the Western Hemisphere.
• Blyxa japonica has only been recorded from the Dak Lak Province, southern Viet Nam.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Blyxa japonica is a grass-like stem plant with a bright green color and a natural, bushy appearance.
• It typically grows to a size of 6-10cm.
• The plant is grown 100% submersed.
• Blyxa aubertii is used to give a grass like look in a planted aquarium.

Cultivation

• Blyxa japonica is considered a medium-difficulty plant to grow.
• It requires moderate to high lighting and benefits from CO2 injection, especially in tanks smaller than 150 L. DIY CO2 setups may suffice for smaller tanks.
• Iron-rich fertilizers are beneficial for its growth.
• Optimal pH range is between 5 and 7.5, with a temperature range of 22-28°C.
• The plant can be used as a foreground or midground plant in aquascaping.

Quirky Facts

• Blyxa gets its name from the Greek word "blyxo," which means "to gush forth, spout out, or bubble up."
• Under the right conditions, it is reported to flower underwater.

Resources

• The Plant List
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• Australian Plant Name Index
• Index Nominum Genericorum (ING)