Samolus valerandi
Scientific name: Samolus valerandi
Family: Samolaceae
Maximum size reached under cultivation: 6 - 12 cm (2.36 - 4.72 inch)
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Recommended pH range: 6.5 - 8.5
Recommended water hardness: 4 - 30°dGH (71.43 - 535.71ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature range: 15 - 26 °C (59 - 78.8°F)
Preferred propagation method: Rhizome
Native to: Cosmopolitan
Growth rate: Slow
Recommended substrate: Fine gravel
Lighting requirements: Bright
Ideal placement in tank: Midground
Family
Samolaceae
Common Names
Thin-leaf Brookweed, Water Cabbage, Water Rose
Propagation
Samolus valerandi propagates vegetatively by producing basal offshoots that can be separated from the main cluster and replanted. These offshoots grow from the base of the plant rather than from a true horizontal rhizome, as seen in species like Anubias or Microsorum. However, in aquarium literature, this type of growth is often referred to as a “rhizome” for simplicity. When dividing the plant, it's important to handle the roots gently and avoid burying the central crown beneath the substrate, as this can cause rot. Propagation is easiest in emersed setups, where the plant remains healthy and stable. In suitable environments, it may also produce tiny white flowers followed by seeds, but seed propagation is uncommon in captivity.
Difficulty
Easy to moderate. While Samolus valerandi is undemanding in emersed setups such as paludariums and ripariums, it is not a true aquatic plant. When fully submerged, it often struggles to adapt and may eventually deteriorate. It is best suited for semi-aquatic or marsh-style environments where its roots are submerged but its leaves remain above the waterline.
Short Description
Samolus valerandi is a small, low-growing marsh plant with a cosmopolitan distribution across Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the wild, it grows along the edges of streams, ponds, and wetlands, where it thrives in soft, moist substrates. It reaches a typical height of 6 to 12 cm (2.36 - 4.72 inches) and forms dense, green clusters of thin, lance-shaped leaves. Although occasionally used in aquariums, it performs best in emersed or semi-aquatic conditions. It is particularly valuable for naturalistic paludarium layouts, where it adds texture and biological diversity.
Maintenance and Care
This species prefers bright lighting and grows best in fine gravel substrates kept consistently moist. The ideal temperature range is 15 - 26°C (59 - 78.8°F), with a pH between 6.5 and 8.5 and water hardness ranging from 4 to 30°N (71.43 - 535.71 ppm). Regular misting or shallow water coverage is recommended in open setups to maintain humidity. If grown emersed, Samolus valerandi will produce healthy foliage and may occasionally bloom with delicate white flowers. When grown submerged, its longevity and appearance are less reliable, and the plant may fail to thrive.
Compatibility
Samolus valerandi is suitable for naturalistic enclosures such as paludariums, ripariums, and wetland-style tanks. It can be paired with small amphibians, crustaceans, or fish species that thrive in shallow water or humid environments. Due to its compact size, it provides shelter for small creatures while enhancing the layout with its vibrant green foliage. It should not be kept with herbivorous species that may uproot or consume the plant. It is not recommended for standard fully-submerged aquariums.
Submersion and Aquascaping
This plant is best used in emersed or semi-aquatic layouts. In aquascaping, Samolus valerandi can be placed near the water’s edge, where its roots remain wet and its leaves can grow freely above the surface. It is not recommended for use as a fully submerged plant in traditional aquariums, as it tends to deteriorate over time under such conditions. In well-designed paludariums, however, it adds a soft, natural accent to the margins and transitions between water and land.