Ammania Senegalensis
Plant Profile
Ammania Senegalensis, aka Copper Leaf Ammania, is an aquatic stem plant native to the tropical wetlands and riverbanks of Western and Central Africa, and it did not choose that nickname lightly. Wavy-edged, oval leaves spiral around robust stems in a base mix of olive-green, gold, and orange, but crank up the light and dial in specialized nutrients, and it oxidizes into a deep copper-red. At a compact 3 to 5 inches tall, it's ready to anchor a midground focal point or background hedge with color other plants just can't match.
*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
- Foliage spans a sunset spectrum from olive-green to orange, gold, and deep copper-red.
- Rare African stem species adds unique texture and bold focal color to midground and background zones.
- Beginner-friendly red stem plant displays vibrant color without advanced care.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Remove lead weight (or pot) and remove 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 moderate-to-high lighting and consistent nutrient dosing; while CO2 is not mandatory, adding pressurized CO2 and regular liquid iron dosing dramatically speeds up growth, stem robustness, and intensifies deep copper-red pigmentation. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting.
- Trim main stem tops with straight scissors once stems reach the desired height, 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 senegalensis |
| Common Name(s) | Ammania Senegalensis, Copper Leaf Ammania |
| Family | Lythraceae / Onagraceae (Conflicted) |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty | Difficult |
| Light Requirement | Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Recommended (Optional for basic growth) |
| Placement / Usage | Midground / Background Bushing |
| Height / Size | 3–5”+ |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Water Parameters | pH 6.5–7.5 |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) |
| Origin | Western & Central Africa |
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 Ammania Senegalensis to turn a deep brick-red color?
Achieving vibrant brick-red foliage on Ammania Senegalensis requires high light intensity, mandatory pressurized CO2 injection, nutrient-rich soil, and regular supplementation of micronutrients, particularly liquid iron.
3. How do I transition Ammania Senegalensis from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under good lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its stiffer emersed foliage and sprout soft, wavy-edged underwater leaves with reddish highlights. Once new shoots take root, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.