Ammannia 'Bonsai' Care Guide

Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai' is a compact aquarium stem plant; its flowers identify it as true Rotala indica (family Lythraceae).

Overview

Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai' is a compact stem plant of the family Lythraceae with small leaves set densely on upright shoots and short internodes. Based on flower characteristics, plant databases identify the plant traded under this name as true Rotala indica. Shoot tips turn reddish under strong light.

Taxonomy

Family: Lythraceae
Trade name: Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Scientific name: Ammannia sp. 'Bonsai'
Reported identity: Rotala indica (Willd.) Koehne

Origin

Rotala indica is widely distributed across the warmer regions of Asia, from Iran to Japan, where it commonly grows as a weed in rice paddies. The 'Bonsai' designation refers to the compact submersed habit selected for aquarium use.

Tank requirements

Lighting: medium to high
CO2: recommended (about 10-40 mg/L)
Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Height: about 10-30 cm
Placement: foreground to midground, group planting

Planting and care

Growth is slow, so the plant suits nano layouts and compact accents. Leaves are obovate to spatulate, 0.5-1.7 cm long, with a distinctive thickened, whitish margin. Adequate light, CO2 and a nutrient-rich substrate are needed for dense growth and reddish tips. Regular trimming maintains a tidy, compact group.

Propagation

Propagation is by cuttings: side shoots or trimmed tops are replanted into the substrate, where they form new roots.

Difficulty

Rated medium. It tolerates a range of temperatures but needs sufficient light, CO2 and nutrients to stay compact and develop colour.