Synonyms: Anacharis densa
Hardiness: Very Easy
Light Needs: Medium
Size: Individual stem width: 3-7 cm (1-2.5 in)
Growth Rate: Very fast
Can Be Grown Emersed: No

The cosmopolitan Egeria densa is a good plant for beginners, and its rapid growth helps create a balance in the aquarium from the start. Stems grows fast to 40-100 cm and becomes 2-4 cm wide. Egeria helps preventing algae because it absorbs a great number of nutrients from the water. The plant secretes antibiotic substances which can help prevent blue-green algae (a type of bacteria). The growth rate depends largely on the amount of light and nutrition available. Growth does not stop in unfavourable conditions, but the plant turns light in colour and the tendrils grow thin.