Ammannia gracilis

Also known as Ammania gracilis, Red Ammannia, Delicate Ammannia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ammannia gracilis (Ammannia gracilis) — (c) Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz，保留部分权利（CC BY-SA） · cc-by-sa

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Growth rate: Fast
Placement: Background
Type: Stem
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 0–12 dGH
Max height: 19.7 in (50 cm)
Spread: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Medium
Origin: West Africa (Senegambia)
Family: Lythraceae

Overview

A large red-toned background stem plant that wants strong light and complete macro and micronutrient dosing (including iron and root feeding) to color up brown-red rather than green. CO2 is not strictly mandatory but strongly recommended for compact, healthy growth. Trim tops and replant, or use lateral shoots, to propagate. It sulks with sudden temperature or parameter swings, which can cause leaf melt.

In the wild

Native to swampy areas and seasonal wetlands of West Africa, including the Senegambia region. It grows as an emersed marsh plant in the wild, submerging when water levels rise, and adapts readily to full submersed growth in the aquarium.

Good to know

A member of the loosestrife family Lythraceae, the genus Ammannia is named for the German botanist Paul Ammann. The species epithet gracilis means slender. Like many Lythraceae it produces small pink to purple flowers when grown emersed above the waterline.

Did you know

Despite its demanding red-plant reputation, it is one of the more forgiving 'red' stems for people moving up from easy plants, coloring reliably as long as the light is bright enough and iron is kept topped up.