Ammania Sp Bonsai (tc cup)

Description

Ammania sp. ‘Bonsai’ is a compact and colorful stem plant that’s become a favorite in aquascaping for its unique bonsai tree-like appearance and striking leaf structure. Despite the name, it’s not an actual bonsai—but it gives off those miniature tree vibes when mass-planted or trimmed right.

🌿 Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Often sold as Ammania sp. ‘Bonsai’, though genetically it’s likely a variant of Rotala indica

• Common Name: Ammania Bonsai

• Family: Lythraceae

• Origin: Asia (India, Southeast Asia)

• Growth Habit: Compact, upright stem plant

• Height: 5–15 cm (depending on conditions)

• Color: Bright green in low light; turns reddish-orange under strong light and with CO₂

✨ Why It’s Loved

• Looks like tiny trees in the aquascape when planted in groups.

• Slow, bushy growth that stays compact.

• Perfect for foreground to midground positioning—rare for stem plants.

• Pairs well with carpeting plants or as a miniature hedge.

🌱 Care Guide

💡 Light

• Medium to high light is ideal.

• Strong lighting brings out red and orange tones on the tips and new growth.

💧 CO₂ & Fertilizer

• CO₂ injection strongly recommended for compact form and vibrant color.

• Needs regular dosing of macro and micro nutrients—especially iron for color enhancement.

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

✂️ Growth & Maintenance

• Grows slowly but responds well to regular trimming, which encourages dense bushy growth.

• Propagation is simple: cut healthy tops and replant into substrate.

• To get the “bonsai tree” effect, top regularly and keep stems trimmed at an even height.

⚠️ Things to Watch

• Legginess: If it’s stretching upward too quickly with wide gaps between leaves, it needs more light or CO₂.

• Melting or leaf loss: Usually caused by nutrient deficiency or unstable water parameters.

🖼️ Aquascaping Tips

• Plant in small, tight groups to form a mini forest or hedge line.

• Combine with short grasses like Eleocharis acicularis or foreground plants like Monte Carlo for contrast.

• Use behind rocks in an Iwagumi-style layout for a pop of structure and color.