Red Ammannia

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to West Africa, especially Senegal. Grows in sunny marshes, wetlands, and sandy river banks.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Classified in the Lythraceae family. Closely related to Ammannia gracilis, but has smaller and more curved leaves.

Physical Structure: Upright, fleshy stems. Leaves are opposite, sessile, and display a slightly downward-curved, wavy shape.

Color & Texture: Ranges from olive green to intense copper-red and brick-red under proper light and nutrient levels.

Lighting & CO2: High light intensity and stable CO2 supply are crucial to prevent the leaves from turning green and decaying.

Nutrition & Substrate: Heavy demand for liquid iron and potassium fertilization. Rich substrate helps support root development.

Water Chemistry: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water. Keep parameters stable with regular water testing.

Space Management & Placement: Best placed in the midground or background with enough space to prevent shadowing from neighbors.

Pruning: Cut the upper stems and replant them. Remove bare lower portions of the stems.

Risks & Diseases: Blackening and rotting of stems if light is insufficient or if nitrate levels are excessively high.