Ammannia praetermissa

Plant overview

Ammannia praetermissa grows as a stem plant and fits midground planting. Care: high light, required CO₂.

Recorded water ranges cover temperature 15–31 °C, pH 4.5–7, KH 0–7 °dKH, CO₂ 25–4 mg/L.

About this plant

Ammannia praetermissa is a rare African stem plant formerly known as Nesaea praetermissa and Nesaea sp. 'Red Leaved'. It develops narrow leaves with contrasting green, pink-red and deep red tones, making it a striking midground accent. The plant is genuinely demanding: high light, stable carbon dioxide around 25 to 40 mg/L, soft acidic water and consistent macro- and micronutrient availability are important for healthy shoot tips. A practical aquarium group is usually maintained at about 10 to 15 cm high and 4 to 9 cm wide through frequent trimming. Plant individual stems with space between them so light and flow reach the lower leaves. Cut only healthy tops for propagation and replant them before the old bases deteriorate. Ammannia praetermissa is sometimes sold under the misapplied name Nesaea crassicaulis, but these are not the same species. Its sensitivity makes it better suited to experienced aquarists than to newly established tanks.