Brookweed

Samolus valerandi

Also known as Seaside brookweed, Water cabbage, Water pimpernel, Thin-leaf brookweed

FreshwaterBrackishRosettedivisionseeds

Brookweed (Samolus valerandi) — Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 59–79°F; 15–26°C
Max height: 5.9 in; 15 cm

Growth rate: Slow
Placement: Foreground
Type: Rosette
pH: 6.5–8.0
Hardness: 6–20 dGH
Spread: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root feeder
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Difficult
Family: Primulaceae
Origin: Native to damp, often calcareous or coastal ground across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.

Overview

Brookweed grows slowly underwater and needs strong light, a nutrient-rich substrate, and cooler water below about 26 C to hold up as a submerged plant. It tolerates hard and even slightly brackish water, which suits coastal biotope tanks. Use it in the foreground and understand that it may only last a limited time fully submerged.

In the wild

Brookweed forms a low rosette of spoon-shaped, light green leaves when grown underwater. In shallow water or on damp ground it sends up a stem with small white flowers. It naturally favors damp, mineral-rich and often coastal soils.

Good to know

Samolus valerandi is a member of the primrose family, Primulaceae, and is one of very few salt-tolerant plants in that group. It has an unusually wide natural range spanning several continents. The species can grow as a land plant, a marsh plant, or fully submerged.