How Stem Plants Grow
Stem plants grow from a single shoot upward. Each leaf node can sprout new roots when planted.
Trim by cutting the top 4–6 inches and replanting. The bottom portion regrows multiple side shoots, becoming bushier.
After 3–4 trim cycles, replant entirely from cut tops to refresh growth.
Rotala Family
Rotala rotundifolia: the workhorse stem. Pinkish-red under high light. Grows fast (2 inches per week with CO2).
Rotala wallichii: needle leaves, pink-red tops. Demanding.
Rotala macrandra: large leaves, intense red. Most demanding rotala — light-sensitive, easy to melt.
Rotala "Bonsai": small round leaves, dwarf habit. Great for foreground.
Ludwigia Family
Ludwigia repens: classic red-leaved stem. Large leaves. Hardy.
Ludwigia super red: deeper red, smaller leaves than repens.
Ludwigia palustris: similar to repens but darker.
Ludwigia inclinata "cuba": green-pink, broad leaves.
Pogostemon Family
Pogostemon erectus: vertical, conifer-like. Bright green. Grows tall (12+ inches).
Pogostemon stellatus "octopus": star-shaped leaves, very ornamental.
Pogostemon helferi (Downoi): low-growing, curly green leaves. Used as foreground.
Hygrophila Family
Hygrophila polysperma: bulletproof stem. Grows in low-tech and high-tech.
Hygrophila difformis (water wisteria): lacy leaves, fast grower.
Hygrophila pinnatifida: epiphytic — can be tied to wood like java fern. Bronze-red.
Trimming Frequency
High-tech tank: trim weekly. Stems double in size in 2 weeks.
Low-tech tank: trim monthly. Stems grow slower without CO2.
Always replant trimmed tops. Never throw away — they're free new plants.
Common Problems
Stems shedding lower leaves: low light reaching the bottom. Replant tops; remove leggy bases.
Pink/melting stems: CO2 too low or sudden parameter swing. Stabilize and wait.
Stunted new growth: nutrient deficiency. Boost EI dose by 25%.