Lysimachia parvifolia (Samolus parviflorus red)

Overview

Lysimachia parvifolia, better known in the trade as Samolus parviflorus “Red”, is a compact rosette plant that develops striking red to reddish-pink foliage under strong light and good nutrition. Its neat, clustered growth habit makes it an excellent midground feature in aquascapes, offering vivid contrast to green background stems and carpets.

Growth & Care

• Light: Thrives under medium to high intensity. Stronger light (~150 µmol PAR and above) drives deeper coloration.
• CO₂: Not strictly required, but CO₂ supplementation (~10 ppm+) greatly improves vibrancy, leaf form, and compactness.
• Nutrients: Benefits from a nutrient-rich substrate or root tabs. Regular water-column dosing of macros and micros supports consistent growth and prevents stunting.
• Water Parameters: Adaptable to a wide range of hardness and alkalinity; performs well in pH 6.0–7.5.
• Temperature: 20–28 °C.

Growth Habit

• Grows slowly compared to most stem plants, which means less frequent trimming.
• Forms tight clusters, staying low and compact if provided with strong light and CO₂.
• Propagation is easy through side shoots, which can be cut and replanted.

Tips & Considerations

• Color shifts with conditions: deep red under strong light/nutrients, but may revert to orange-green if light or fertilization is insufficient.
• Sensitive to sudden “system shocks” (abrupt changes in light, CO₂, or nutrients). Stability is key to maintaining its health and avoiding algae.
• Works beautifully as a midground accent plant — place it in clusters to highlight paths, stone bases, or transition zones between carpets and taller stems.

Why Choose It?

Lysimachia parvifolia adds a splash of red without the high-maintenance demands of faster stem plants. Its slower growth, resilience, and adaptability make it a rewarding choice for hobbyists who want vivid color in their aquascape with moderate upkeep.

2-3 stems per portion