Ammannia auriculata, commonly known as eared redstem, is a species in the family Lythraceae that is found in tropical and subtropicalt areas around much of the world.The slender and erect herb typically grows to a height of 5 to 40 centimetres (2 to 16 in). It blooms in March producing orange-purple flowers.In Australia the species is found along the swampy margins of streams in a few scattered areas of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions of Western Australia extending into the Northern Territory and Queensland where it grows in black loamy soils.In the United States it is found in Arizona, Louisiana, Texas, South Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico and Mississippi. It is found through much of Central America, Southern Chine and parts of Asia. It is commonly found as a weed in rice paddies and on damp disturbed areas of soil.
Eared redstem is fairly resistant to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. Nevertheless, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. These outbreaks are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant requires a moderate level of maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Eared redstem is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Ammannia Auriculata.
Light
Eared redstem comes from bright, open habitats where it prospers in full sun. It can tolerate partial sun but favors direct sunlight for optimal growth. This plant, which may be annual or biennial, is noted for its sun-loving nature.
Water
Eared redstem thrives in humid, wetland-like environments, needing consistent moisture to grow. It prefers weekly watering and has moderate drought tolerance. As an aquatic plant, it flourishes outdoors, making the most of seasonal rainfall for optimal growth.
Temperature
Eared redstem comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high heat and moisture. It does not respond well to abrupt temperature shifts and favors a consistent thermal environment, so avoiding temperature swings indoors is important. It typically cannot endure cold conditions and needs relatively high temperatures to grow. If the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Fertilizer
Eared redstem does well with regular, light applications of fertilizer to encourage healthy leaf growth. You should feed Eared redstem roughly once a month throughout the summer. Nitrogen is important for foliage, and providing nitrogen-rich sources helps Eared redstem flourish.
Pruning
Eared redstem is characterized by its vibrant red stems and small flowers. To maintain its health and appearance, prune the plant from early to late spring. Begin by removing any dead stems and thinning out crowded areas to improve airflow. Make sure to use clean, sharp tools, and always prune just above leaf nodes to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual
- Genus
- Ammannia
- Family
- Lythraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 20 cm to 49 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Flower Size
- 0.25 cm to 0.51 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Burkina Faso, Turkey, India, Mexico, Guatemala, Madagascar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Uganda, Tanzania, Benin, Sierra Leone, Indonesia, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Saudi Arabia, Malawi, Honduras, Peru, Philippines, Turkmenistan, Panama, Chad, China, Colombia, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, Togo, El Salvador, Senegal, Iran, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Angola, Malaysia, Namibia, Rwanda, Eritrea, Yemen, Kenya, Niger, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Mali, Jamaica, Iraq, Cuba, Cambodia, Burundi, Venezuela, Brazil, South Korea, Botswana, Congo, Nepal, Tajikistan, South Africa, Zambia, Sudan, Mauritania, Armenia, Guinea, Bolivia, Vietnam, Nicaragua, Thailand
Other names.
