Samolus parviflorus Red

Samolus parviflorus ‘Red’ – Red Samolus

🌿 Plant Overview

Samolus parviflorus ‘Red’ is a popular trade-name for Lysimachia parvifolia ‘Red’, a compact aquatic Plant admired for its rounded leaves and attractive red, copper and orange hues. Its dense, rosette-like growth creates a distinctive colour accent without the tall, sprawling appearance of many traditional red stem Plants.

Ideal for the foreground to midground, this Plant develops its strongest red coloration under intense lighting and consistent nutrient availability. Although CO₂ injection is not essential for survival, it encourages fuller growth and helps achieve more vibrant coloration.

✨ Key Features

• Distinctive Red Foliage: Develops warm copper, orange and deep red tones under suitable conditions.

• Compact Growth: Forms a dense cluster of rounded leaves, making it suitable for foreground and midground layouts.

• Manageable Growth Rate: Grows at a moderate pace and generally requires less frequent trimming than fast-growing stem Plants.

• Adaptable Water Requirements: Can grow in both soft and relatively hard water.

• Suitable for Low-Tech Setups: Can survive without injected CO₂, although stronger lighting and stable nutrition improve its appearance.

🌱 Plant Profile

Scientific Name: Lysimachia parvifolia ‘Red’
Common Trade Name: Samolus parviflorus ‘Red’
Plant Type: Compact aquatic Plant with rosette-like submerged growth
Origin: China
Placement: Foreground to Midground
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Colour: Green, copper, orange to deep red
Temperature: 18–28°C
Lighting: Medium to High
CO₂: Optional; beneficial for fuller growth and stronger coloration
Propagation: Side shoots and stem cuttings

💡 Lighting, CO₂ & Nutrition

Moderate lighting is sufficient to maintain growth, while stronger lighting encourages more intense red coloration and compact growth. Under weaker light or limited nutrition, the leaves may become greener and thinner.

A nutrient-rich substrate supports healthy root development, while balanced liquid fertilisation helps maintain consistent growth. CO₂ injection can improve leaf fullness and overall appearance, but stable conditions matter more than excessive fertilisation or lighting alone.

✂️ Planting & Maintenance

Plant the roots securely in the substrate, leaving the growing crown uncovered to reduce the risk of rot. Allow sufficient space around the Plant so light can reach its leaves and its compact form can develop naturally.

As the Plant matures, it can produce side shoots that may be separated and replanted. Remove damaged outer leaves when necessary to keep the cluster tidy.

⚠️ Important Notes

The name Samolus parviflorus ‘Red’ is widely used in the aquarium trade, but the red aquarium Plant is generally identified as Lysimachia parvifolia ‘Red’. It should not be confused with the true Samolus parviflorus, which is green.

Red coloration varies with lighting, nutrients and overall growing conditions; newly supplied or emersed-grown Plants may look different from mature submerged specimens.