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Plant Freshwater Care: medium

Ammannia Gracilis

Ammannia gracilis
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Other names: Red ammannia, Delicate ammannia, Gracilis
Group: Stem plants · Family: Lythraceae · Origin: West Africa

A large stem plant whose long, narrow, opposite leaves take on colors from orange-red to pinkish brown in strong light. It adds a showy red accent to the background of large aquariums.

Last updated October 16, 2026

Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
2–10 dGH
Light
High
CO₂
Beneficial
Growth
Medium
Placement
Background
Height
Up to 50 cm

Water parameters

Temperature22–28°C
pH5.5–7
General hardness (GH)2–10 dGH
Recommended range

Overview

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit

Ammannia gracilis is a large stem plant from West Africa. Its leaves are long, narrow and pointed; they are arranged in opposite pairs and curve slightly downward. In strong light and with good nutrition, the leaves take on warm tones from orange-red to pinkish brown. With its broad leaves and tall height, it looks best in the background of aquariums of 80 liters or more. It survives in medium light, but stays greenish-brown and may drop its lower leaves.

Planting and Placement

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Stems are planted one by one, with 4–5 cm between them, 3–4 cm deep; the broad leaves should not be crowded.
  • It is used in the background as a color focal point in front of or among green plants.

Care and Fertilization

October 16, 2026 · Suggest an edit
  • Light: High.
  • CO₂: Not required, but clearly beneficial for color and growth.
  • Fertilizer: Iron and potassium supplementation; a nutrient-rich substrate and root tabs are recommended.
  • Trimming: Cut from the top; the cut tops are replanted.

Propagation

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Common Problems

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Hobbyist notes

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Change history and contributors
  1. Page created · October 16, 2026