Sessile Joyweed

Alternanthera sessilis

Family : Amaranthaceae

PlantFreshwaterstem plant

Robust and easy stem plant with green leaves, often used in background or paludarium.

Sessile Joyweed — photo 1 sur 4
Rameshng · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4
Popularity
Stem plant
fast growing, needs trimming
Availability
Common in shops
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern

Description

Alternanthera sessilis is an amphibious plant with creeping or erect stems. Its leaves are sessile (without petiole), oval, bright green, sometimes tinged with red. It can reach 40 cm in aquariums. Growth is fast. It produces small white flowers in heads when emersed. Underwater, it adapts well but can become invasive. It is very hardy and tolerates a wide range of parameters. Used as background or emersed in paludariums.

Habitat

Region :

Wetlands, rice paddies, stream edges

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2030 °C
pH68
GH220 °dGH
KH215 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 30 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 3 mg/L
CO₂
≤ 20 mg/L
Light
Low

Care

Difficulty
1/5
Diet
Photosynthetic
Min. tank
30 L
Min. group
3
Adult size
40 cm
Lifespan
2 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation
cuttings, division

Care notes

Low to moderate lighting (0.3-0.6 W/L) is sufficient, but stronger light promotes compact growth. CO2 not necessary but beneficial. Temperature 20-30°C, pH 6-8, GH 2-20, KH 2-15. Nitrates <30 mg/L, phosphates <3 mg/L. Tolerates hard water. Frequent trimming to control growth. Suitable for beginners. Compatible with all fish. Can be grown emersed. Beware of spreading roots.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References