Copper leaf ammannia (Ammannia senegalensis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Copper leaf ammania
Family
Lythraceae (loosestrife family)
Origin
Western Senegal
Water
freshwater
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7
Hardness
Soft: 2–8 dGH (estimate)
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
High light; CO2 recommended, plus iron fertiliser

Care

Copper leaf ammannia (family Lythraceae) is from western Senegal, where it often grows as a weed of rice paddies and other shallow flooded ground. Its opposite leaves start broad and green and become narrower and reddish, especially under strong light. Several forms differing in leaf shape and colour are in the trade, though their identity is unclear. The small flowers appear in the leaf axils of plants grown out of water. Wikipedia notes it is kept in aquariums, where it needs intense light, soft acidic water and added iron. Plant it in groups in the midground. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammanniasenegalensis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

From cuttings: take the top of a stem and replant it; side shoots can also be removed and planted.

Compatibility and tank mates

Soft stems are eaten by goldfish, large cichlids and herbivorous fish. Good with shrimp, snails and small community fish in tropical tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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