Samolus parviflorus 'Red' is a captivating aquatic plant valued for its distinctive coloration and attractive growth habit. As a tissue culture plant, it arrives in pristine condition, ensuring a clean and healthy addition to your aquarium. Here’s a detailed overview:

Description

• Appearance: Samolus parviflorus 'Red' is known for its vibrant red to reddish-brown leaves, which are rounded and slightly textured. The plant forms a rosette of leaves that can add a striking contrast to other green or colored plants in the aquarium. The foliage can sometimes have a subtle sheen, enhancing its visual appeal.
• Size: It generally grows to about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) in height, making it suitable for the foreground or midground of aquariums. Its compact size and rosette growth make it an excellent choice for creating focal points or adding color to the tank.

Habitat

• Native Range: Samolus parviflorus is native to tropical regions, including parts of Central and South America. The 'Red' variant is a cultivated form selected for its vibrant coloration.
• Natural Habitat: In its natural habitat, Samolus parviflorus is found in wet, nutrient-rich environments, such as shallow waters and marshy areas. It thrives in conditions with ample light and rich substrates.

Care and Maintenance in Aquariums

• Tank Size: Due to its compact size, Samolus parviflorus 'Red' is suitable for various tank sizes, including nano aquariums. It works well as a foreground or midground plant and can be used to create color spots or accents in the aquascape.
• Water Parameters: The plant thrives in tropical water conditions with temperatures ranging from 22-28°C (72-82°F) and a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It prefers soft to moderately hard water but can adapt to different water conditions.
• Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate is ideal for Samolus parviflorus 'Red' to support healthy growth and vibrant coloration. Aquasoils or other substrates designed for planted tanks are effective.
• Tank Setup: The plant does well in moderate to high lighting conditions. While it can tolerate lower light levels, its red coloration will be more intense under higher light. CO2 supplementation is beneficial for promoting robust growth and enhancing color, though the plant can adapt to low-tech setups. Regular dosing with liquid fertilizers, particularly those containing micronutrients, will support the plant’s health and appearance.

Growth and Maintenance

• Growth Rate: Samolus parviflorus 'Red' has a slow to moderate growth rate. It will gradually form a compact and colorful rosette, adding visual interest to the aquarium.
• Propagation: Propagation is typically done by dividing the plant and replanting the individual rosettes. New shoots will emerge from the base, which can be separated and replanted to spread the plant further across the tank.
• Maintenance: Regular trimming is necessary to maintain the plant’s shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. Removing older or damaged leaves will help keep the plant healthy and promote new growth.