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

Rotala rotundifolia sp Blood Red

The Latin name means “the plant with the round leaves”, but this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. Rotala rotundifolia from South-East Asia has 15-30 long stems (2-3 cm wide) and long, narrow leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves.
It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.

Type: Stem
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 15 – 30+
Light demand: Low
CO2 : Low

Heteranthera zosterifolia

Heteranthera zosterifolia from South America is an extremely beautiful plant, which forms a lot of side shoots and thus quickly forms a bushy plant group.

Stems can become 30-50 cm tall and 6-12 cm wide. Leaves often become black on the back. In strong light growth is intensive, and the plant must be pruned before it becomes so compact that no light reaches the lower leaves. Water roots often form on the stem. Those are easily cut and replanted.

In open aquariums, it forms small blue flowers if some shoots are allowed to spread on the surface.

Plant info
Type: Stem
Origin: South America
Growth rate: High
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Low
CO2 : Medium

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.

Micranthemum tweediei ‘Monte Carlo’

Micranthemum tweediei ‘Monte Carlo’ originates from Argentina. It has compact, round and fresh light green leaves on creeping stalks and creates a fast-growing carpet in the front of the aquarium.
The plant can grow in light shadow, but requires good light conditions, as well as CO2 additive, in order to develop optimally and become really compact.

Plant info
Type: Carpeting
Origin: South America
Growth rate:
Height: 3 – 5+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis

Lilaeopsis brasiliensis from South America can grow very compact, but a “lawn effect” (4-7 cm tall) is only achieved at high light intensity. When planting in the aquarium small clumps (approx. 1/8 pot) should be placed a few centimetres apart to help the plants grow together more quickly. Place in an open position without shading from other plants to ensure good light. Lilaeopsis brasiliensis can be used in garden ponds, and also tolerates low salt concentrations in brackish aquariums.

Plant info
Type: Stolon
Origin: South America
Growth rate:
Height: 3 – 5+
Light demand:
CO2 :

Hygrophila costata

This plant originates from South America and stems become 25-60 cm long with 10 cm long leaves. Under water Hygrophila costata has relatively narrow leaves which are grouped close together. Plants sold in the shops are normally cultivated above water, and have rounder leaves with larger gaps between them.
Hygrophila costata was called Hygrophila corymbosa ‘Angustifolia’ until recently.

Plant info
Type: Stem
Origin: South America
Growth rate:
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 :

Cryptocoryne wendtii ‘Tropica’

This beautiful variety with the dark, hammered leaves is named after ‘Tropica’. When grown in an open space the leaves will virtually lie on the bottom. It is suitable for small aquariums with leaves from 10-20 cm, and a rosette from 10-20 cm wide. Like most other Sri Lanka Cryptocorynes, it also grows well in hard water.

Plant info
Type: Rosulate
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 10 – 20+
Light demand:
CO2 :