Sessile joyweed (Alternanthera sessilis) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Dwarf copperleaf, Sissoo spinach, Brazilian spinach
Family
Amaranthaceae (amaranth family)
Origin
Tropical and subtropical Old World; introduced in the southern USA
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
18–30°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
Tolerant (estimate)
Care level
expert
Lighting
Bright light, emersed

Care

Warning: this is a land (or at most bog) plant, not a true aquarium plant. Kept fully underwater it slowly weakens and dies, so it is best grown emersed in a paludarium, or with only its roots in the water. Sessile joyweed (family Amaranthaceae) is a creeping perennial herb of damp ground in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World, introduced to the southern United States. Its prostrate stems root at the nodes and its leaves are 1–15 cm long, with small white flower spikes. A Brazilian form, sissoo spinach, is grown as a leafy vegetable and ground cover. Red-leaved forms are sold as 'aquarium' plants, but it is a plant of wet soil, not open water, and underwater it slowly fades. Wikipedia also notes that Alternanthera reineckii, a true aquarium plant, is sometimes sold under this name. Grow it emersed in a paludarium or at a pond edge. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is a weed in parts of the southern US. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternantherasessilis); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Stem cuttings root easily in wet soil; stems also root where they touch the ground.

Compatibility and tank mates

Do not sell or buy it as a true aquarium plant; it belongs in a paludarium, bog garden or damp border. Check that red 'sessilis' isn't actually Alternanthera reineckii, which is a proper aquarium plant.

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

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