How to grow Lysimachia parvifolia (Samolus parviflorus red)

Introduction

Lysimachia parvifolia is relatively new to the hobby. It is starting to be propagated on a large scale by larger commercial farms, where previously it could only be found among hobby collectors. This plant was originally collected in the limestone karst region of Guangxi, China. The Chinese name for the plant is "小叶珍珠菜". When the plant first arrived on the market, hobbyists named it "Samolus parviflorus red" as it looked very similar to the plant Samolus parviflorus (which was totally green). Folks thought that it was just a red version of a known aquatic plant species. However, Samolus parviflorus was a species limited to north America, while the new plant was collected from China. Later on, it was identified as Lysimachia parvifolia. However, the name "Samolus red" had already stuck as a trade name for the plant. Thankfully, it is easy to differentiate the two species due to the distinct color differences. 

Lysimachia parvifolia is a relatively easy plant to grow and is best suited for the middle of the tank. It remains short and red under high light conditions, producing red leaves in a tight cluster that almost seem to sprout from a central rosette. However, it will sometimes produce taller shoots when overcrowded. Stronger lighting will also induce a redder coloration in this species, while growing it under more moderate lighting will produce orange hues. Higher nutrient levels or a rich substrate will produce rounder, fuller leaves. Poorer light and nutrient conditions will produce greener and thinner leaves. The plant can look completely green if neglected and in shade.

Lysimachia parvifolia gets deep red at around 150umols of PAR.

The plant is quite hardy and can grow in tanks with more alkaline water. It will grow with fuller leaves with better coloration with CO2 injection. It has moderate growth rates compared to other aquarium plants and is therefore easy to manage as it requires less frequent pruning.

These plants are grown under around 200 umols of PAR, 7 hours of lighting. Substrate is APT Feast and APT 3 is used in the water column.

Key success factors

• Adequate light. 150 umols PAR to get deep reddish color. Longer hours can also be used to create a "sun tan" effect to redden colors.

• CO2 injection helps boost growth rates and also coloration. Tolerant of low CO2 levels. (10+ppm+ recommended).

• Can be grown in both hard or soft water. Tolerant of a wide range of GH/KH. Grows well in hardwater.

• Stable conditions allow the slow growing plant to adapt.

• Well rounded nutrient dosing produce better red colouration.

Pruning and propagation

The plant naturally produces side shoots over time. These can be uprooted and replanted in open spaces. When the plant has grown to the point where there are visible internodes on the vertical stem, the top portion can be cut and replanted just like any other stem plant. 

Click here to find out how to grow red aquarium plants.

Click here to read on how to optimize CO2 levels

Click here to browse more plant growing profiles

Click here to read on how to stabilize a new planted tank