Ammannia gracilis

Ammannia gracilis

Ammannia gracilis is one of the most dramatically colorful stem plants available for the high-tech planted aquarium, producing intense magenta to bright red leaves that almost appear to glow under strong aquarium lighting. This African species reaches its full color potential only under high light and CO₂ injection, but when those conditions are met it delivers a red-magenta display unmatched in brilliance by almost any other aquarium plant.

Care tip: Ammannia gracilis grows best in high lighting with CO₂ required. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.0. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 12 to 20 inches, Ammannia gracilis is a tall background plant that requires regular trimming to manage its vigorous growth under optimal conditions. Pruning tops and replanting them creates dense, multi-stemmed groups that maximize the vivid color display. The most brilliant magenta-red coloration appears in actively growing new growth at the tops of well-lit stems.

As an advanced plant, Ammannia gracilis requires CO₂ injection and high lighting — these are essential, not optional, for healthy growth and vivid color. Without CO₂ the plant grows slowly and the brilliant red-magenta turns a muddy greenish-brown. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.0 provide ideal conditions. Regular fertilization and consistent pruning are both essential maintenance practices.

In the aquascape, Ammannia gracilis creates the most vivid red-magenta background color available from any commonly cultivated aquarium plant. Mass plantings in the rear zone create a wall of brilliant warm color that transforms the entire aesthetic of the layout. It pairs dramatically with cool green foreground plants and is a defining element of competition-level Dutch aquascapes.

Ammannia gracilis is the ultimate red-magenta background plant for advanced aquarists with high-tech setups. Demanding in its requirements but extraordinary in the color it delivers — a plant that can define an entire aquascape.

Care & Specifications