How to grow Lysimachia parvifolia (Samolus parviflorus red)

Introduction

Samolus parviflorus red is relatively new to the hobby. It is not yet propagated on a large scale by larger commercial farms, but can be found among hobby collectors and in aquarium shops. This plant was originally collected in the limestone karst region of Guangxi, China. The Chinese name for the plant is "小叶珍珠菜". Heiko Muth comments that the plant is probably Lysimachia cf. parvifolia, and is sure that it belongs to the Lysimachia family rather than Samolus parviflorus, since Samolus parviflorus is a North American species. 

It is a relatively easy plant to grow and is best suited for the middle of the tank. It is a stem plant that remains short and red under high light conditions, producing red leaves in a tight cluster that almost seem to sprout from a central rosette. However, it will produce taller shoots when overcrowded or under inadequate lighting. Stronger lighting will also induce a redder coloration in this species, while growing it under more moderate lighting will produce orange hues. Higher nutrient levels or a rich substrate will produce rounder, fuller leaves. Poorer light and nutrient conditions will produce greener and thinner leaves. The plant can look completely green if neglected and in shade.

The plant is quite hardy and can grow in tanks without CO2 injection and in harder, more alkaline water. However, it will grow with fuller leaves with better coloration with CO2 injection. It has moderate growth rates compared to other aquarium plants and is therefore easy to manage as it requires less frequent pruning.

These plants are grown under around 200 umols of PAR, 7 hours of lighting.

Key success factors

• Adequate light. 100 umols PAR to get a good reddish color. Longer hours can also be used to create a "sun tan" effect to redden colors.

• CO2 injection helps boost growth rates and also coloration. Tolerant of low CO2 levels. (10+ppm+ recommended).

• Can be grown in both hard or soft water. Tolerant of a wide range of GH/KH. Grows well in hardwater.

• Stable conditions allow the slow growing plant to adapt.

Pruning and propagation

The plant naturally produces side shoots over time. These can be uprooted and replanted in open spaces. When the plant has grown to the point where there are visible internodes on the vertical stem, the top portion can be cut and replanted just like any other stem plant.