Cuphea Anagalloidea

Cuphea anagalloidea

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Myrtales›Lythraceae

📍 Central America

Rare Brazilian stem plant with tiny round leaves. Pinkish-red under high light. Very slow growing and demanding — a true collector's plant.

Tank Mates

Amano Shrimp

Gentle algae grazers that won't damage delicate foliage and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Small, non-destructive shrimp that add color and won't uproot or damage slow-growing stems

excellent

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae eaters that respect plants and thrive in the same high-light, high-CO2 environment

good

Ember Tetra

Small, gentle fish that won't disturb the plant and add movement without causing damage

good

Bucephalandra

Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; both benefit from high light and CO2

excellent

Rotala Rotundifolia

Compatible stem plant that thrives under identical high-light, high-CO2 conditions

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Nitrogen/Iron)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite high light

Treatment

Increase liquid fertilizer dosing; test water parameters and adjust macro/micronutrient ratios; ensure CO2 levels are adequate (30-40 ppm)

Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Hair Algae)

Symptoms

Green spot algae on leaves, hair algae coating stems, reduced light penetration

Treatment

Increase water change frequency (50% weekly), reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours, add algae-eating shrimp, manually remove affected leaves

Melting/Tissue Necrosis

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, stems rotting, plant disintegrating despite good conditions

Treatment

Check CO2 levels and increase if below 25 ppm; verify lighting is truly high-intensity; perform 50% water change; trim affected portions and replant healthy stems

Poor Growth/Stagnation

Symptoms

No visible growth over 4+ weeks, leaves remaining small, no color development

Treatment

Verify CO2 injection is functioning; increase light intensity to 8+ hours daily; boost fertilizer regimen; check water parameters (pH 6.0-7.0, GH 4-8)