Micranthemum umbrosum

Micranthemum umbrosum is a beautiful plant from US with small round leaves. It is suitable for small or large aquariums with stems becoming 10-25 cm long and 1-2 cm wide. Relatively demanding in terms of light. CO2 addition will promote growth.
Once the plant starts growing, it grows fast, and the shoots need to be pinched out often (can be planted as cuttings in the soil). Most beautiful in groups of many stems.

Type: Stem
Origin: North America
Growth rate:
Height: 10 – 15+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium

Hemianthus glomeratus

Hemianthus glomeratus is a delicate stem plant from Florida. In the hobby, it has long been known under the erroneous name H. micranthemoides (or Micranthemum micranthemoides). It was recently identified correctly in the USA. With its small, light green curved leaves it is nice for beautiful dense group plantings. Under intensive light it tends to develop a creeping growth habit and thus can be used as foreground plant for strongly-lit tanks. However, it is better-suited for bushy groups in the middle ground of larger tanks or for the background of nano aquaria. Under strong light it can also be cultivated emerged, given that the substrate is kept moist. Then you’ll get a dense mat with very small leaves.

Ludwigia repens ‘Rubin’

Variety of Ludwigia repens from North America with striking dark red leaves and stalk. Stems from 20-50 cm and 4-6 cm wide. It provides a great colour contrast to the green shades in the aquarium. Plant in large groups to enhance the decorative effect, and prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
The plant has few demands, but if light is insufficient the lower leaves tend to fall off. In strong light the colour becomes more intense.

Type: Stem
Origin: North America
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Low

Bacopa caroliniana

Bacopa caroliniana originates from US and has been used as an aquarium plant for many years. Stems become 10-30 cm long and 3-4 cm wide, branching willingly from the bottom. It has few demands and thus very convenient for beginners. Its slow growth rate makes it one of the few stem plants that do not need much attention.
Like most stem plants, it is most decorative when planted in small groups. Easy to propagate by cuttings; take a side shoot and plant it in the bottom.

Type: Stem
Origin: North America
Growth rate: Slow
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Low
CO2 : Low

Ludwigia repens X arcuata

This Ludwigia is a hybrid between the North American species L. repens and L. arcuata. It is long known and has proven as an undemanding, colourful stem plant. Its lanceolate leaves become blood-red under good light. The stems are densely set with leaves; the internodes are short.

Ludwigia repens x arcuata is well adaptable to different water chemistry and has a high growth rate. Nutrient-rich bottom and medium to strong lighting are very beneficial for its growth. It tolerates quite cool water, however its temperature optimum lies between 24 and 28 °C.

As a group in the midground to background, this Ludwigia provides a colourful eyecatcher. Due to its low demands, it is also recommendable for beginners and for the primary planting of new tanks, respectively.