Large, colourful stem plant with narrow leaves up to 12 cm long, brown-red ('cognac') above and violet beneath; green when grown emersed; quickly reaches the surface.
Needs
Care levelModerate
LightHigh
CO₂Helps
GrowthFast
HeightUp to 50 cm
Temperature22–28 °C
WhereBack of the tank
Feeds throughLeaves, from the water
FamilyLythraceae
Native toWest and west-central tropical Africa: Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Central African Republic, Gabon
Facts checked against sources on 16 Oct 2026. See sources
How to keep it
Strong light
CO2 (Flowgrow: 25-30 mg/l)
Iron and micronutrients; keep nitrate low and phosphate high for best red
Picture coming