Samolus parviflorus 'Red' (Jumbo Pot)

Samolus parviflorus 'Red' 

Scientific Name: Samolus parviflorus 'Red'
Common Name: Red Samolus, Samolus Red
Origin: Cultivated form of Samolus parviflorus
Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 20–28°C

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• GH: 2–12 dGH

• KH: 1–8 dKH

Lighting

• Moderate to high lighting is recommended.

• High light promotes compact growth and enhances the plant's attractive reddish, bronze, and copper tones.

• Under lower light conditions, leaves remain predominantly green and growth may become less compact.

CO₂ Requirement

• CO₂ supplementation is highly beneficial.

• Encourages denser growth, larger rosettes, and improved coloration.

• While it can survive without CO₂, its ornamental qualities are significantly enhanced in a CO₂-enriched aquarium.

Nutrient Requirements

• Requires a balanced supply of macro and micronutrients.

• Benefits from nutrient-rich substrates due to its strong root-feeding nature.

• Adequate nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements support healthy growth.

• Iron supplementation helps intensify red and bronze coloration.

Placement in Aquarium

• Best suited for the foreground to midground.

• Often used as a specimen or accent plant.

• Creates an attractive contrast with green carpeting plants and stem plants.

Propagation

• Propagated through side shoots and division of mature plants.

• Daughter plants can be separated and replanted once established.

• Growth is relatively slow compared to most stem plants.

Special Care Tips

• Nutrient-rich substrate significantly improves growth and leaf size.

• Maintain stable lighting and nutrient levels for best coloration.

• Avoid excessive shading from taller plants.

• Regular removal of older leaves helps maintain a healthy appearance.

Aquascaping Use

Samolus parviflorus 'Red' is a unique rosette plant prized for its broad, slightly wavy leaves and attractive bronze-red coloration. Unlike many red aquarium plants, it forms a compact rosette rather than upright stems, making it an excellent choice for foreground and midground focal points. With strong lighting, stable CO₂ supplementation, and balanced fertilization, it develops into a striking accent plant that adds texture, color, and visual contrast to Nature, Dutch, and high-tech planted aquariums.