🌿 Overview

Cuphea anagalloidea is a freshwater stem plant native to South America, known for its dense, low-growing bushy foliage. Its compact habit makes it perfect for small tanks, nano aquariums, and midground planting.

This plant is easy to grow, making it suitable for beginners. While it thrives in low-tech setups without CO₂, high lighting, CO₂ supplementation, and nutrient-rich substrate enhance its growth rate, leaf density, and overall appearance.

🍃 Appearance

• Small, bright green leaves arranged densely along stems
• Forms compact, bushy clusters
• Height: 10–20 cm
• Ideal for foreground or midground placement
• Adds texture and depth to aquascapes

🌿 Plant Type (Hard/Soft)

• Type: Stem plant
• Category: Soft aquatic plant
• Growth rate: Moderate

🌡️ Ideal Water Temperature

• 22°C – 28°C (72°F – 82°F)

💡 Lighting Conditions

• Medium to high lighting recommended
• Moderate light ensures steady growth
• High lighting produces denser and more compact foliage

🌿 CO₂ Requirement

• Optional
• CO₂ promotes faster growth, more compact clusters, and brighter green coloration

⚗️ Ideal pH Level

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral water

💧 Other Requirements

• Substrate: Can grow in general aquarium substrate, but nutrient-rich substrate improves growth
• Fertilization: Responds well to liquid fertilizers and root tabs
• Water hardness: Soft to moderately hard
• Regular trimming maintains shape and encourages bushy growth

🌱 Propagation

• Propagates via stem cuttings
• Cut healthy stems and replant in substrate
• Side shoots form quickly under good lighting

💡 Do You Know?

Cuphea anagalloidea is a compact, versatile plant ideal for creating dense midground textures or filling small spaces in nano aquariums. Its bushy growth habit makes it perfect for natural-style aquascapes and beginner-friendly setups.

🏷️ Plant Category Classification

🟢 Beginner Friendly

✔ Yes – Hardy, adaptable, and easy to grow

🟢 Non-CO₂ Plant (Low-Tech)

✔ Yes – Can grow well without CO₂ injection

🟢 High-Tech Plant

✔ Optional – Thrives faster and denser under CO₂ and high-intensity lighting