Narrow Leaf Vallisneria (NANA)

Yes. It is one of the hardiest, most beginner-friendly plants you can buy. It grows in low to high light, does not need CO2, and spreads on its own by runners. Give it a nutrient-rich substrate and it will fill in the background with almost no effort.

Fast, once it settles in. It sends out runners that pop up as new plants around the parent, quickly filling a background curtain. Thin out or replant the runners now and then to keep it where you want it and stop it from crowding other plants.

It does not need CO2 and grows well in low-tech tanks. It is a root feeder, though, so it does its best with root tabs or a nutrient-rich substrate to fuel those runners. A little iron and potassium also help keep the leaves green and lush.

Plant the crowns in the substrate but keep the crown, the pale base where the leaves meet the roots, just above the soil so it does not rot. Space plants a couple of inches apart and they will send out runners to fill the gaps. It roots in best when left undisturbed.

It is a classic background plant, forming a tall, grassy curtain along the back of the tank. Because the NANA form has thinner, shorter leaves than standard Vallisneria, it also works well as a grassy midground in smaller aquariums. Give it open space so the runners can spread.