Plant Profiles

Ammannia baccifera

Live freshwater plant Ammannia baccifera - Monarch Redstem for fish tanks and aquariums Large bunch or portion of aquatic plant Ammannia baccifera - Monarch Redstem. Aquarium plant with fast delivery across Australia.
Ammannia baccifera
Monarch Redstem
$12.95

Ammannia baccifera, commonly known as the Monarch Redstem, is a rare, native Australian plant uncommon in the aquarium trade. Belonging to the family Lythraceae, this Australian native species has a similar growth form to other Ammannia species but with consistently green leaves.

In its natural habitat, Monarch Redstem typically grows in marshes and wetlands, and so makes an ideal tropical pond plant for moist and boggy areas around the pond. When grown emersed, the stems of Ammannia baccifera can grow with a striking red colouration, particularly when grown under bright lighting conditions. However, it is a demanding plant to grow submerged and is best suited for experienced aquarists. In the aquarium, this plant exhibits a generally strictly upright growth habit, with tall stems that can reach heights of up to 50 centimeters under optimal conditions.

Monarch Redstem has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are arranged in pairs along the stems. In the aquarium, the leaves can get to about 5cm in length, and are a deep green colour. This plant requires strong lighting and appreciates water that is high in nutrients, including iron. It will do well in both hard and softer water, as long as CO2 levels are high. Adequate carbon dioxide supplementation will promote healthy growth and vibrant colouration in this plant species.

Ammannia baccifera is a unique native plant for the high tech aquarium and is also a great option for Queensand and Northern Territory biotope aquariums. While it can be demanding and requires a high level of care, this is definitely an excellent plant to try, especially for rare aquatic plant collectors.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
CoarseFine

Substrate nutrients:

Medium

Water nutrients:

High

Light demand:

High

CO2:

High

Height:

Tall

Growth rate:

Slow

Growth habit:

Stem

Difficulty:

Advanced

Native to: