Description
Plant Profile
Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi is a rare and captivating aquatic stem plant native to the tropical, soft-water habitats of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Celebrated for its unique coloration and distinct upright growth habit, this species features slender leaves that display a rich spectrum of sunset orange, warm pink, olive green, and copper hues along its central stem. Ideal for intermediate to advanced aquascapers, Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi forms breathtaking vertical background hedges and midground focal points when planted in dense clusters under high-tech aquarium conditions.
*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.
Key Features & Benefits
Unique sunset colors of pink, copper, orange, and olive green bring visual interest.
Strict vertical growth habit naturally forms clean, structured background hedges and Dutch-style layouts.
Care & Planting Instructions
Remove lead weight (or pot) and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the roots, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower leaves.
Provide medium-to-high lighting and stable water conditions. Pressurized CO2 injection and regular liquid nutrient dosing with iron are essential to ensure successful transition, strong root development, and vivid coloration. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden parameter swings to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting.
Trim main stem tops with sharp straight scissors once established, and replant trimmings directly into substrate to propagate and expand coverage. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Ammannia sp. ‘Sulawesi’
Common Name(s)
Ammannia Sulawesi, Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi, Nesaea Sulawesi
Family
Lythraceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Stem Plant
Care Difficulty
Intermediate to Advanced
Light Requirement
Medium to High
CO2 Requirement
Required (Essential for healthy roots and coloration)
Placement / Usage
Midground / Background Centerpiece
Height / Size
4–12”+
Growth Rate
Medium
Water Parameters
pH 6.0–7.2 | Prefers Soft Water
Propagation Method
Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops)
Origin
Indonesia (Sulawesi)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. How do I get Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi to display bright orange and pink colors?
Achieving vibrant orange, pink, and copper shades on Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi requires high light intensity, mandatory pressurized CO2, nutrient-rich soil, and regular supplementation of liquid micro and macronutrients, particularly iron.
3. How do I transition Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under strong lighting, high CO2 injection, and soft water conditions while keeping parameters completely stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its stiffer emersed foliage and sprout soft, colorful underwater leaves. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
