Cuphea Anagalloidea

Cuphea Anagalloidea is a captivating aquatic plant known for its distinctive red and green leaves. Originating from South America, this species is highly prized among aquarists for its striking appearance and unique growth pattern. The leaves of Cuphea Anagalloidea are small, lance-shaped, and typically exhibit a vibrant red hue when exposed to high light conditions, while the stems and lower leaves remain green. This contrast makes it an eye-catching addition to any planted tank.

Cuphea Anagalloidea thrives in stable, well-maintained aquarium environments. It prefers nutrient-rich substrates and benefits from regular CO2 supplementation and liquid fertilization to maintain its vivid coloration and robust growth. While it can tolerate a range of water parameters, it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral water. Due to its moderate growth rate, Cuphea Anagalloidea requires regular trimming to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, which also helps prevent lower leaves from shedding due to lack of light.

In aquascaping, Cuphea Anagalloidea is best used as a midground or background plant, where its vibrant red leaves can stand out against green foliage and hardscape elements. This plant adds a pop of color and texture, making it ideal for creating visually dynamic and balanced aquascapes. Its moderate growth rate allows for easier maintenance compared to faster-growing species, making it a practical yet stunning choice for aquarists looking to add a touch of brilliance to their tanks.

Despite its striking appearance and distinct identity, it is often mistakenly confused with Rotala Ramosior 'Sunset'. However, it's important to note that these two species are quite different in terms of their growth habits and care requirements. While Rotala Ramosior 'Sunset' has its own charm with its pinkish hues and delicate structure, Cuphea Anagalloidea is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and robust red coloration, making it a standout choice for aquarists looking to add a splash of color to their tanks. Proper identification and understanding of these differences are crucial for successful cultivation and aquascaping.

The tissue cultures shown here are from the Sreepadma GroWoW! Series. 

Care Tips:

• Substrate: Use nutrient-rich substrate like aqua soil or gravel enriched with root tabs.
• Lighting: High lighting to enhance red coloration.
• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 22-28°C (72-82°F).
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0-7.5.
• Nutrients: High; regular fertilization with liquid fertilizers and CO2 supplementation recommended.
• Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings; replant cuttings to encourage new growth.

Growth: Moderate
Lighting: High
Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
pH: 6.0-7.5
Nutrients: High
Difficulty: Intermediate