Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Ammannia Sulawesi; Nesaea Sulawesi

Synonyms

Nesaea sp. 'Sulawesi'

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Indonesia (Sulawesi)

Habitat

Soft, tropical freshwater habitats of Sulawesi, including lake margins and slow-moving waters

Sourcing

Both

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Difficult

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 15 in (10 – 38 cm)

Spread

4 in (10 cm)

Growth rate

Moderate

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.2

GH

1 – 6 dGH

Flow

Moderate

Light

High

CO₂

Required

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

High

Colors

Orange, Pink, Green, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Slender stems reach 4 to 12 inches, carrying narrow leaves that shift between olive green, copper, pink, and sunset orange depending on light and iron availability. It suits established, nutrient-rich planted tanks rather than new setups, demanding pressurized CO2 and consistent dosing to hold color. Best kept trimmed and replanted to avoid leggy, bare-based growth.

Care

This stem plant is better suited to established, well-balanced aquariums than to newly cycled setups, since it responds poorly to fluctuating water chemistry. Medium to high lighting paired with pressurized CO2 brings out its best coloration, and without those inputs the stems tend to stay mostly green and stretch toward the light. Regular pruning of the growing tips encourages denser, bushier growth and keeps the lower stem from going bare.

Planting & trimming

Strip the lower leaves from each stem before pushing it 1 to 2 inches into the substrate with fine-tipped tweezers, spacing stems apart so light still reaches the lower foliage. Planting in dense clusters produces a fuller hedge effect in the midground or background. Once stems reach the desired height, trim the tops and replant the cuttings to maintain a compact, bushy form over time.

Fertilizing

Growth and coloration depend heavily on a nutrient-rich substrate combined with regular liquid fertilization, particularly iron dosing, which helps push the orange and copper tones in the foliage. Root tabs placed near the base can supplement substrate nutrition in leaner soils. Pale or washed-out new growth usually signals insufficient light, CO2, or iron rather than a nitrogen or potassium issue.

Propagation

Propagation is done by cutting healthy stem tops and replanting them directly into the substrate, where they root readily under stable, nutrient-rich conditions. Side shoots that develop after trimming can also be separated and replanted to multiply the stock.

Problems

Sudden shifts in water parameters after planting can trigger leaf melt or stem rot at the base, so acclimating new stems gradually is worthwhile. Weak lighting or inconsistent CO2 often causes lower leaves to yellow and drop while the plant reaches for the surface. Because it is grown both emersed and submerged for sale, newly acquired specimens may shed their original leaves before pushing out adapted submerged growth.

Sources

1. Ammannia Sp. Sulawesi - Orange & Pink Aquarium Stem Plant — Buce Plant
2. Ammannia Sulawesi | Shop Rare Aquarium Stem Plants - Glass Aqua
3. AMMANIA SP SULAWESI
4. American Express

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