South-eastern and south-central USA; also Coahuila, north-eastern Mexico
Water
freshwater
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium to high light; CO2 recommended for compact, red growth
Care
Acmella repens is a creeping member of the daisy family (Asteraceae) native to the south-eastern and south-central United States, mainly the coastal plain from Texas to North Carolina and the lower Mississippi valley, with outlying populations in north-eastern Mexico. Older books and some shops sell it under Spilanthes names. Wikipedia gives no habitat or aquarium details. In the hobby it is grown as a midground stem plant whose stems and leaf undersides turn orange to red under strong light. Expect it to grow faster and keep its colour better with good light, CO2 and an iron-rich fertiliser; in dim tanks it becomes leggy and green. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. As a plant of the warm southern US it should suit tropical tanks. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acmellarepens); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Stem cuttings: cut the top 8–10 cm and replant. Trimmed stems branch from the cut. In nature it also roots along creeping stems.
Compatibility and tank mates
Soft stems; goldfish, large cichlids and herbivorous fish may graze it. Fine with shrimp, snails and small community fish.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
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Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
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