TankBud

Ammannia senegalensis

Also known as Ammania senegalensis, Senegal ammannia, Copperleaf ammannia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Ammannia senegalensis (Ammannia senegalensis)
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ required
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
17.7 in
45 cm
Growth rate
Medium
Placement
Midground
Type
Stem
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Spread
3.9 in (10 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Difficult
Family
Lythraceae
Origin
Native to freshwater marshes and seasonally flooded ground across tropical Africa.

Overview

This plant demands bright light and cannot be grown well in shade, developing its copper and red tones only under intense lighting. CO2 and extra iron and potassium noticeably improve growth and color. Plant it in the midground to background with space between stems, and it does best under careful high-tech care.

In the wild

Ammannia senegalensis grows upright with paired leaves that curl slightly and turn copper, orange, and brick red under intense light. It is found in African freshwater marshes and floodplains that dry out seasonally. The bright coloration makes even a small group stand out against green plants.

Good to know

Ammannia senegalensis is a member of the loosestrife family, Lythraceae, and a relative of the toothcups. Its red pigments develop under bright light as the plant produces protective anthocyanins. Many red stem plants in this family are grown for the same color response.

Did you know

The intensity of its copper-red color is a direct readout of your lighting, since it needs strong light to develop the pigment.

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