Perfect for Dutch, Nature Aquarium, and triangular layouts
Its copper-red stems introduce vibrant warm tones among green plants.
Best suited for intermediate planted tanks
Stable lighting and balanced nutrients help reveal its full coloration.
Displays striking bronze and red shades
The leaves can develop beautiful warm tones under strong light.
Forms elegant vertical stem groups
Clusters create tall colorful sections in background areas.
Adds dramatic color depth to aquascapes
Its warm hues enrich planted layouts dominated by green vegetation.
Origin: West Africa
Type: Stem plant
Growth Rate: Moderate
Size: Height: 20–40 cm (8–16 in) Width: 5–10 cm (2–4 in)
Natural Habitat: Ammannia senegalensis grows in warm African wetlands and river margins where strong sunlight and nutrient-rich sediment support vibrant plant coloration.
Special Considerations: Strong lighting and stable nutrients help the plant develop its characteristic orange and reddish hues. Regular trimming encourages fuller stems.
Did You Know?
The genus Ammannia was named after the Swiss botanist Paul Ammann, a 17th-century naturalist who studied medicinal plants. Several species in this genus were first described during early botanical explorations of tropical Africa.
Tank Size: 30 L (8 gallons) or larger recommended to provide enough space for vertical growth.
Plant Placement: Often planted in the background, where its reddish stems add dramatic color contrast in planted aquascapes. It pairs nicely with plants such as Limnophila aromatica and Bacopa caroliniana, while foreground species like Eleocharis parvula or Monte Carlo help create a natural depth gradient. Midground plants such as Cryptocoryne wendtii can soften the transition between layers.
Compatibility: Suitable for peaceful aquariums with diamond tetras, rainbowfish, rasboras, shrimp, and snails. Schooling fish often swim along the edges of dense background plants, while shrimp species like Amano shrimp and crystal red shrimp forage among the stems. The warm tones of the plant contrast beautifully with silver-bodied fish such as diamond tetras.
Substrate Performs best in nutrient-rich planted substrates that support strong root development and stable growth. In inert substrates (sand or gravel), supplementing with root fertilizers such as Osmocote capsules can help provide essential nutrients. Iron supplements such as Iron EDTA capsules may also benefit red and orange stem plants by supporting stronger coloration and healthy new growth.
Light: Medium to strong lighting (40–70 PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–10 dGH)
CO₂: Recommended for optimal coloration.
Care & Propagation: Trim stems regularly to encourage branching. Healthy tops can be replanted to propagate new plants.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected stem bundle (typically 5–7 stems), freshly trimmed and ready for aquarium planting.
Plant Size Stems are usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall at the time of packaging.
Plant Type Submerged-grown aquarium stem plants, ready to plant directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping Some leaves may melt or change appearance after planting as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. This is a normal transition and new submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the protective plastic packaging.
- 2.Gently remove the filter floss and rubber band holding the stems together.
- 3.Rinse the stems gently with clean water.
- 4.Separate the bundle into individual stems.
- 5.Plant each stem about 2–3 cm (1–1.5 in) deep into the substrate.
- 6.Leave small spacing between stems so they have room to grow and spread.
- 7.If a stem floats out, plant it slightly deeper or at a slight angle to help it anchor.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set can make planting stem plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
