Three-flower Nesaea

Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to Madagascar, inhabiting warm marshes, riversides, and shallow pools. Requires high solar radiation in nature to develop its typical colorful stems.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Member of the Lythraceae family and Nesaea genus. Features upright and delicate stems with lanceolate leaves in opposite pairs.

Physical Structure: Very fragile stems that break easily under rough handling. Submerged leaves are narrow and slightly wavy along the edges.

Color & Texture: Foliage shows striking color transitions from greenish-yellow to red and orange tones under high light conditions.

Lighting & CO2: High light and medium to high CO2 demands. Consistent CO2 injection is required for healthy growth and to prevent melting of the delicate stems.

Nutrition & Substrate: Demands a rich, nutrient-packed substrate. Liquid dosing of iron, potassium, and trace elements is vital to maintain leaf coloration.

Water Chemistry: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water. Temperature range 20-28°C, pH 6.0-7.2. Sensitive to sudden fluctuations in water hardness.

Space Management & Placement: Best suited for the midground. Stems should be planted with sufficient spacing between them to ensure light reaches the lower leaves.

Pruning: Prune by carefully cutting the stem tops with sharp scissors and replanting them. Avoid transplanting the base plant frequently.

Risks & Diseases: Blackening and rotting of stems at the base if light is insufficient or if there is a potassium deficiency.