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Ammannia crassicaulis
Ammannia crassicaulis
Beautiful midground plant with a fast growth rate. Excellent focal point due to contrasting colors in the midground or background.
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15 - 31 °C
5 - 7
Freshwater
High
Low - High
0 - 9 dKH
Species description
The species Ammannia crassicaulis is native to the swamps and wetlands of Madagascar and East Africa, where it thrives in shallow, brightly lit waters. In its natural environment, it is typically found in slow-flowing or stagnant waters, such as swamps, ponds, and tropical riverbanks, where it adapts beautifully to seasonal water level variations. This habitat provides a rich organic substrate and consistent, filtered light exposure. The plant's ability to grow both submersed and emersed is a testament to its extraordinary evolutionary resilience in these humid ecosystems. From a taxonomic perspective, the plant belongs to the genus Ammannia of the Lythraceae family, closely related to other demanding stem plants cultivated in the aquarium hobby.
Care, breeding and tankmates
This species prefers soft water with KH from 0 to 9, an acidic pH between 5.0 and 7.0, and tropical temperatures ranging from 15 to 31 °C for healthy development. Regular water changes are recommended to maintain stable parameters and low levels of pollutants such as nitrates and phosphates. Good mechanical and biological filtration will ensure an environment free of suspended particles, which could settle on the leaves and limit photosynthesis. The main risks include spontaneous loss of lower leaves if light is insufficient, and tissue melting in case of calcium or phosphorus deficiencies. Under conditions of poor water movement or nutrient imbalance, the leaves can be colonized by filamentous or green spot algae.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Madagascar, East Africa.
Origin
Plant profile
- Placement
- Midground
- Botanical form
- Stem
- Growth
- Fast
- Substrate
- High
- Column fertilization
- Recommended
- Root fertilization
- Recommended
- Trimming
- Occasional
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Sensitivity
- Moderate
- Layout role
- accent, Midground, Background
Midground to background. Its upright, thick stems make it an excellent focal plant. Best planted in groups of 3 to 5 stems for visual impact.
Stout, reddish-brown stems with lanceolate to slightly ovate leaves. Submersed growth exhibits a wavy margin and beautiful warm hues, transitioning to red-purple near the surface.
Moderate to fast when provided with CO2 and high light. Without CO2, growth is significantly slower and colors remain green or pale orange.
As a demanding aquatic plant, Ammannia crassicaulis requires a deep, highly nutritious substrate to thrive and develop its vibrant colors. It produces an extensive and thick root system that heavily relies on an active aquasoil rich in iron and essential macronutrients. A substrate depth of 5 to 7 centimeters is necessary to accommodate its vigorous root growth and provide adequate physical support for its thick stems. Insufficient root nutrition often results in stunted growth and pale lower leaves, making regular substrate fertilization crucial.
Liquid fertilization is essential, especially dosing iron and trace elements. Keep nitrate levels moderate to encourage stronger red pigmentation.
Appreciates a rich substrate. Root tabs can significantly boost growth and stem thickness, preventing the lower stem from rotting over time.
Trim by topping the plant and replanting the heads. The remaining stumps will sprout multiple side shoots, creating a denser bush.
Easily propagated via stem cuttings or side shoots. Simply cut a 10cm portion and plant it into a nutrient-rich substrate.
Sensitive to sudden drops in CO2 or extreme changes in water hardness. Lower leaves may drop if light does not penetrate to the bottom of the stems.
Contrasting background or midground feature. Its structural, thick appearance contrasts well with fine-leaved plants like Rotala or mosses.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
Variants and close relatives
Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.
Ammannia pedicellata
Ammannia pedicellata
Ammannia praetermissa
Ammannia praetermissa
Ammannia gracilis
Ammannia gracilis
Ammannia capitellata
Ammannia capitellata
Ammannia latifolia
Ammannia latifolia
Golden Nesaea
Ammannia pedicellata
Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Senegal Ammannia
Ammannia senegalensis
Ammannia mauritiana
Ammannia mauritiana
Three-flower Nesaea
Ammannia capitellata capitellata
Rotala pusilla
Rotala pusilla
Rotala macrandra 'Pearl'
Rotala macrandra 'Pearl'
Rotala hippuris
Rotala hippuris
Rotala sp. 'Pearl'
Rotala sp. 'Pearl'
Rotala sp. "Araguaia"
Rotala sp. "Araguaia"
Rotala sp. "Long Leaf"
Rotala sp. "Long Leaf"
Recommended companions
Compatible cards from coherent ecosystems with matching parameters.
Bacopa crenata
Bacopa crenata
Aciotis acuminifolia
Aciotis acuminifolia
Malaysian Trumpet Snail
Melanoides tuberculata
Anubias gracilis
Anubias gracilis
Ramshorn Snail
Planorbella duryi
Orange dwarf crayfish (CPO)
Cambarellus patzcuarensis "Orange"
Cabomba aquatica
Cabomba aquatica
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Ninja Shrimp
Caridina serratirostris
Anubias barteri var. nana
Anubias barteri var. nana
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
Aldrovanda vesiculosa
Aldrovanda vesiculosa
Green babaulti shrimp
Caridina cf. babaulti "Green"
White Pearl Shrimp
Neocaridina zhangjiajiensis var. White
Blueberry Tetra
Hyphessobrycon wadai
Red Cabomba
Cabomba piauhyensis
Similar care
Cards with similar requirements, difficulty, habitat, and husbandry profile.
Rotala sp. 'Enie'
Rotala sp. 'Enie'
Rotala macrandra 'Green Narrow Leaf'
Rotala macrandra 'Green Narrow Leaf'
Rotala macrandra 'Green'
Rotala macrandra 'Green'
Rotala macrandra 'Mini Type 4'
Rotala macrandra 'Mini Type 4'
Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'
Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'
Rotala macrandra 'Variegated'
Rotala macrandra 'Variegated'
Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'
Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'
Rotala mexicana "Araguaia"
Rotala mexicana "Araguaia"
Rotala verticillaris
Rotala verticillaris
Nesaea crassicaulis
Nesaea crassicaulis
Nesaea sp. 'Red Leaved'
Nesaea sp. 'Red Leaved'
Rotala sp. 'Colorata'
Rotala sp. 'Colorata'
Rotala sp. 'Green'
Rotala sp. 'Green'
Rotala sp. "H'Ra" ("Gia Lai")
Rotala sp. "H'Ra" ("Gia Lai")
Nesaea praetermissa
Nesaea praetermissa
Cuphea anagalloidea
Cuphea anagalloidea