At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy to advanced depending on variety
- Light: Moderate to high for demanding color
- CO2: Helpful, often important for high growth
- Placement: Background and midground
- Growth: Moderate to fast
Planting technique
Separate stems, remove lower leaves, and plant each stem with space around it. Crowding too many stems together can limit flow and create lower-leaf loss.
Trimming for shape
Trim above a healthy node and replant the tops when you want to thicken a group. Repeated trimming creates a fuller bush; letting stems reach the surface creates a taller background.
Light, nutrients, and CO2
Color and compact growth usually depend on a balanced system rather than light alone. Increase light only when nutrients, carbon, and maintenance can support the extra demand.
Continue exploring
Browse the plant database, learn about Cryptocoryne, or read the algae guide.