Ammannia praetermissa

Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Plant profile

Placement

Midground

Strictly a midground or background plant. It must be planted where it receives the absolute highest intensity of light without any shading from adjacent plants.

Botanical form

Stem

Boasts stunning, deep burgundy to almost purple leaves that contrast sharply with its delicate stems. The foliage is relatively small and ovate when submersed.

Growth

Medium

Growth is remarkably slow. Even in high-tech environments, it struggles to add height rapidly, making it a test of patience for dedicated aquascapers.

Substrate

High

Ammannia praetermissa is a delicate and demanding species that strictly requires a highly fertile, fine-grained aquasoil. Its fine root structure depends heavily on the substrate for the uptake of macro and micronutrients, particularly iron, to maintain its striking colors. A deep substrate bed of 5 to 7 centimeters is essential to properly anchor the fragile stems and provide a stable nutritional environment. Planting in an inert or depleted substrate will almost certainly lead to stunted growth and the gradual decay of the lower plant sections.

Column fertilization

Recommended

Requires a highly consistent and rich water column fertilization regime. Daily dosing is strongly recommended to keep nutrient levels stable and prevent leaf deterioration.

Root fertilization

Required

Cannot survive without a very acidic, nutrient-packed aquasoil. The root system needs an optimal environment to support the sensitive above-ground growth.

Trimming

Occasional

Trim with extreme care. Often, the lower portions of the stem will simply melt away instead of resprouting, so replanting the tops is the only reliable way to prune.

Propagation

Cuttings

Propagated by topping healthy stems. Survival rates of cuttings can be low unless the tank conditions are perfectly dialed in.

Sensitivity

high

Notorious for melting at the slightest instability. It demands very soft water (low KH/GH), acidic pH, and flawless tank maintenance. Algae will easily choke it.

Layout role

accent, Midground, Foreground

Considered a 'holy grail' red plant. Used as a rare, striking red accent in advanced Dutch or nature style aquariums where optimal conditions can be guaranteed.