Samolus Valerandi

Samolus valerandi

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Ericales›Primulaceae

📍 Cosmopolitan (temperate and subtropical regions worldwide)

Compact rosette plant with bright green, spoon-shaped leaves. Tolerates hard water and cooler temps. Good foreground plant for low-tech setups.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage delicate leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plant tissue; ideal for low-tech setups

excellent

Emerald Dwarf Rasbora

Small, peaceful schooling fish that won't uproot or damage the compact rosette structure

good

Anubias Nana

Excellent companion plant with similar low-light tolerance and slow growth rate; creates balanced foreground

excellent

Java Moss

Compatible low-light plant that complements Samolus in low-tech tanks and provides additional cover

excellent

Dwarf Gourami

Peaceful, small fish that won't disturb plants; prefers similar low-light, cool-water conditions

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, leaf holes or transparent patches

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing frequency; use comprehensive all-in-one fertilizers with macronutrients (NPK) and micronutrients (iron, boron, manganese); perform 25-30% water changes weekly

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears smothered

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 6-8 hours daily; increase water changes; introduce algae-eating fish like Otocinclus or shrimp; manually remove algae with soft brush

Root Rot

Symptoms

Mushy, blackened roots; foul odor from substrate; plant wilting despite adequate water conditions

Treatment

Improve substrate drainage; reduce organic waste buildup; perform partial substrate replacement; increase water circulation; ensure adequate fertilization to support root health

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration, transparent or dissolving leaves, plant appears to shrink

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-8); avoid sudden temperature or water chemistry changes; ensure adequate lighting and fertilization; quarantine affected plant if severely affected