To distinguish between the stress of Vallisneria americana caused by increases either in the molar N:P relation (N-NO3 and P-H2PO4) or in the concentration of nutrients (CN), the nutritional regimen (NR) was examined by means of two randomized factorial experiments on plants cultured in vitro in modified MS medium. The first (RN1) crossed N:P relation of 16, 20, and 24 and CN (%) of 25, 50, and 100; while the second (RN2) evaluated N:P relations of 48, 60, 72, and CN percentages of 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50. The mechanism of resistance to the stress by factor was examined with the decrease in the regeneration and viability of leaves and roots; both measured by unit or percentage for 45 to 75 days, since the plants in vitro did not produce ramets. In NR1 experiments, all plants died in 100% CN and leaves registered greater resistance with 24N:P, and 25% CN (p 0.05). In RN2 experiments, leaves and roots resisted at 72N:P, within the percent ranging from 6.25 to 25 CN (p