Cuphea Annagalloidea
Plant Profile
Cuphea Anagalloidea is a rare, compact stem plant that represents the first species from the Cuphea genus cultivated for aquarium use. Historically confused with Rotala sp. 'Araguaia' or Bacopa sp. 'Red', this aquatic species produces small, rounded leaves along delicate creeping stems. Under targeted high-tech conditions, the foliage transitions from soft yellow-green to deep orange and bright red tones. Reaching a compact height of 1 to 4 inches, its low growth profile makes it an excellent candidate for foreground-to-midground accent rows or Dutch-style plant streets. Delivering bold color contrast and fine leaf texture right out of the pot, it’s a great pick for experienced hobbyists branching out from standard green aquatic plants.
Key Features & Benefits
- Compact creeping growth habit creates low-profile red and orange accent rows in foreground and midground areas.
- Foliage color shifts from golden-amber to deep red under strong lighting and consistent nutrient dosing.
- Rare botanical addition that brings distinct leaf geometry and color depth to high-tech aquascapes.
Care & Planting Instructions
- Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip lower foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Cuphea stems are delicate, so handle each stem with care during preparation.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to plant individual stems 1 inch apart into your aquarium soil.
- Provide high-intensity lighting and pressurized CO2 injection; consistent liquid fertilization rich in iron supports vibrant red leaf coloration and prevents lower leaf shedding. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
- Maintain stable, soft to moderately hard acidic water parameters (pH below 7.0) and avoid sudden parameter swings, as this demanding species is sensitive to water chemistry shifts.
- To propagate, trim main stem tops with sharp straight shears and replant the cuttings directly into your aquarium soil. 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 | Cuphea anagalloidea |
| Common Name(s) | Cuphea Anagalloidea, Cuphea Annagalloidea |
| Family | Lythraceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy | Aquatic Stem Plant (Creeping / Low Growth Habit) |
| Care Difficulty | Difficult / Advanced |
| Light Requirement | Medium to High |
| CO2 Requirement | Required (Moderate to High injection needed for stability) |
| Placement / Usage | Foreground / Midground Accent & Dutch Streets |
| Height / Size | 1–4”+ |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Water Parameters | pH 5.5–6.8 | KH 0–6 | Temp 70–87°F |
| Propagation Method | Cuttings (Cut stem tops or lateral shoots and replant) |
| Origin | South America |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I prep bunched Cuphea Anagalloidea before planting?
Remove the lead weight or rubber band and peel away the foam surrounding the root base under room-temperature water. Inspect each fragile stem, trim away any crushed lower leaves, and insert individual stems into your aquarium soil using fine pinsettes.
2. Why is Cuphea Anagalloidea recommended for experienced hobbyists?
Cuphea Anagalloidea is sensitive to changes in water chemistry and requires a fully established tank with high lighting, continuous CO2 injection, and steady nutrient levels to avoid leaf melt or stem rot.
3. How do I bring out the bright red color in Cuphea Anagalloidea?
Achieving orange and red pigmentation requires strong light penetration directly over the stems, high CO2 levels, and a regular liquid fertilization routine that supplies iron and trace minerals directly to the water column.