Ammania Gracillis

Ammannia gracilis is a striking aquatic stem plant widely used in aquascaping for its intense red, orange, and pink coloration when grown under strong conditions.

🌿 Plant Profile

• Scientific name: Ammannia gracilis
• Family: Lythraceae
• Type: Freshwater aquarium stem plant
• Growth habit: Upright, tall stem plant
• Growth rate: Moderate (faster with good CO₂ + nutrients)

🎨 Appearance

• Leaves are narrow to oval and grow in opposite pairs on the stem
• Colors range from light green → orange → deep red
• Under strong light, it becomes one of the most vibrant red background plants in aquascapes
• Can grow quite tall, forming a dramatic background wall

💡 Aquarium Requirements

• ☀️ Light: High light recommended for strong red coloration
• 🌡️ Temperature: 22–28°C
• 💧 pH: 5.5–7.0 (slightly acidic preferred)
• 🫧 CO₂: Strongly recommended for best growth and color
• 🌱 Substrate: Nutrient-rich planted tank soil is ideal

🌱 Care Tips

• Needs stable nutrients (iron + micronutrients) for deep red color
• Trim regularly and replant tops to maintain bushy growth
• Lower light = greener, less attractive coloration
• Provide good water flow to avoid algae buildup on leaves

✂️ Propagation

• Very easy via stem cuttings
• Cut healthy tops and replant into substrate
• New side shoots develop from cut stems

🐠 Aquascaping Use

• Best used as a background plant
• Excellent for Dutch-style and Nature aquariums
• Creates strong red focal contrast against green plants