Medium light (stronger light deepens the red); CO2 helpful
Care
Tropica sells the cultivar Lysimachia parvifolia 'Red', sometimes traded as Samolus parviflorus 'Red'. The true Samolus parviflorus is a green plant with a similar leaf shape. Its small, rounded leaves look rather like baby spinach and show red tones even in simple tanks. Tropica rates it easy. Strong light, a good nutrient supply and stable conditions give the deepest colour. Use it as an accent in the midground or background; regular trimming keeps it upright and compact. The species has also been used as an anti-inflammatory herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.
Breeding
Cut shoots and replant them; it responds well to this.
Compatibility and tank mates
Soft leaves, so keep it away from goldfish and plant-eating fish. Fine with small community fish, shrimp and snails.
Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.
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Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
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.
Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
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