
This striking plant, known in the aquarium hobby as "Samolus parviflorus 'Red'", has only been available privately for a few years. It was originally discovered submerged in a river in Guangxi, China. However, its characteristics align more with Lysimachia parvifolia, a loosestrife species native to southern China, often found along stream banks, ditches, and rice paddies.
Underwater, it forms a broad rosette, about 10–15 cm wide, with multiple shoots. In bright light, its leaves turn red to deep red, while lower light brings orange hues. In low light, elongated shoots may develop. The emersed form looks entirely different, producing tall flowering stems (30–50 cm) and long, creeping side shoots. The small, elliptical leaves (1–4.5 cm) range from green to reddish, and the stems take on a reddish hue. Tiny, bell-shaped white flowers bloom on upright racemes.
Easy to grow, this plant displays its most vibrant red tones under strong lighting (PAR ≥100 µmol). CO₂ is not essential but encourages lush growth, along with nutrient-rich substrate. Its temperature tolerance is broad, reflecting its subtropical origins with hot summers and mild winters. Propagation is simple – separating rosettes or floating severed leaves, which sprout new roots and shoots, much like Hygrophila.
Still a rarity, Lysimachia parvifolia is an eye-catching red accent for the aquarium foreground to midground. Though less striking in its terrestrial form, its creeping shoots and delicate white flowers make it a unique addition to paludariums and wabi-kusa setups.
Price per: 1 plant with 6+ leaves.
This item can be shipped ONLY to Europe.
Price per: 1 plant with 6+ leaves.
This item can be shipped ONLY to Europe.