Encyclopaedia

PlantFreshwaterEasy

Ammannia crassicaulis

Fast-growing East African stem plant. Demands extremely intense lighting and high CO2 to achieve its brilliant red colors and prevent growth stunting.

Taxonomy

Class:Liliopsida

Order:Myrtales

Family:Lythraceae

Genus:Ammannia

Species:Ammannia crassicaulis

Formerly known as: 

Check out Ammannia crassicaulis on Atlarium

PracticeRecognition quizzesPhotos, names, origins, and puzzles to review Atlas species.Open quizzes

Water Temperature

15 - 31 °C

pH Value

5 - 7

Water type

Freshwater

Light

High

CO2

Low - High

0 - 9 dKH

Species description

Geographical Origin and Habitat: 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.

Taxonomy & Genetics: 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. This phylogenetic placement places it within a group of vascular plants highly specialized for aquatic life. Genetically, species in this genus exhibit high phenotypic plasticity, meaning their outward appearance can vary drastically based on available light and nutrient conditions. Selection and hybridization efforts have led to the development of specific cultivars suited for aquarium cultivation.

Physical Structure: The morphology of this plant is characterized by a thick, fleshy, erect stem along which opposite, sessile, lanceolate leaves develop, curving slightly downwards. This structural conformation allows the plant to withstand moderate water currents and maximize the absorption of carbon dioxide and light. The root system is designed to anchor the plant firmly to the soil and absorb mineral nutrients. In aquariums, the vertical or creeping development provides excellent natural barriers and shelter zones for small fish and invertebrates.

Color & Texture: Aesthetically, the plant offers an extraordinary coloration ranging from olive-green to intense copper-red, with reddish-brown shades that stand out beautifully against the scarlet stem. The leaf texture, soft yet resilient to the touch, adds visual depth and a sense of naturalness to any aquascaping composition. The chromatic variation serves as an excellent color contrast compared to traditional, all-green plants. Under strong lighting and targeted fertilization, the intensity of the color reaches its maximum visual splendor.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Lighting & CO2: For optimal growth, the plant requires extremely intense lighting and high, constant CO2 injection to induce the red coloration and prevent growth stunting. Intense light promotes shorter internodes and the development of more saturated colors, while the CO2 supply ensures stable photosynthesis, preventing plant tissue decay. In the absence of these elements, the plant will tend to stretch excessively towards the light, losing its lower leaves and exhibiting weak, stunted growth.

Nutrition & Substrate: Nutrition must be managed by providing a fertile substrate and constant dosing of iron, potassium, and phosphates in the

Water Chemistry: 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.

Space Management & Placement: The ideal placement is the midground or background of the aquarium, taking care to plant the stems apart from one another to prevent shaded zones. As a plant that can expand laterally or vertically, it is important to carefully calculate distances from neighboring species to avoid mutual shading. Proper water circulation among the foliage also prevents the formation of stagnant zones susceptible to bacterial infections.

Pruning: Maintenance is carried out by cutting the apical portion of the stem and replanting it in the soil, while the base will produce highly decorative new lateral branches. Periodically removing older or damaged leaves at the base stimulates the plant to focus energy on new growth. Using sterile, very sharp tools is essential to avoid crushing stem tissues, which could lead to necrosis or fungal infections.

Risks & Diseases: 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. In cases of severe stress, the stems can rot from the inside; if this occurs, damaged parts must be removed immediately to prevent infecting the entire plant.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

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.

Origin

Africa and Madagascar

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

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.

Golden Nesaea

Ammannia pedicellata

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Origin

Plant profile

Image gallery

Related species

Variants and close relatives

Golden Nesaea

Ammannia praetermissa

Ammannia gracilis

Ammannia capitellata

Ammannia latifolia

Golden Nesaea

Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'

Senegal Ammannia

Ammannia mauritiana

Three-flower Nesaea

Rotala pusilla

Rotala macrandra 'Pearl'

Rotala hippuris

Rotala sp. 'Pearl'

Rotala sp. "Araguaia"

Rotala sp. "Long Leaf"

Recommended companions

Bacopa crenata

Aciotis acuminifolia

Malaysian Trumpet Snail

Anubias gracilis

Ramshorn Snail

Orange dwarf crayfish (CPO)

Cabomba aquatica

Cherry Shrimp

Ninja Shrimp

Anubias nana

Amano Shrimp

Aldrovanda vesiculosa

Green babaulti shrimp

White Pearl Shrimp

Blueberry Tetra

Red Cabomba

Similar care

Rotala sp. 'Enie'

Rotala macrandra 'Green Narrow Leaf'

Rotala macrandra 'Green'

Rotala macrandra 'Mini Type 4'

Rotala macrandra 'Narrow Leaf'

Rotala macrandra 'Variegated'

Rotala sp. 'Vietnam'

Rotala mexicana "Araguaia"

Rotala verticillaris

Nesaea crassicaulis

Nesaea sp. 'Red Leaved'

Rotala sp. 'Colorata'

Rotala sp. 'Green'

Rotala sp. "H'Ra" ("Gia Lai")

Nesaea praetermissa

Cuphea anagalloidea