The Polygonum Pink is a rare and highly decorative stem plant prized for its vibrant pink coloration and striking leaf patterns. It is considered a premium aquascaping plant and is often used as a focal point in high-tech planted aquariums.

Overview

• Common Name: Polygonum Pink

• Botanical Group: Persicaria (formerly Polygonum)

• Plant Type: Stem plant

• Placement: Midground to background

• Growth Rate: Moderate

It is valued for producing some of the brightest pink tones available in aquatic plants.

Appearance

• Upright stem growth

• Narrow to lance-shaped leaves

• Pink, rose, red, and bronze coloration

• Strong contrast against green plants

Leaf size:

• Length: 3–8 cm

• Width: 1–3 cm

Under ideal conditions, leaves can display:

• vivid pink centers

• reddish stems

• bronze undersides

Young growth often shows the strongest pink coloration.

Aquarium Placement

Best used as:

• Feature plant

• Midground accent

• Color focal point

Ideal for:

• Dutch aquariums

• Nature aquascapes

• High-tech planted tanks

Small groups create dramatic color highlights.

Water Parameters

Recommended conditions:

• Temperature: 22–28°C

• pH: 5.5–7.5

• Soft to moderately hard water

Stable water conditions are important for maintaining vibrant colors.

Lighting

Requirements:

• Medium to high light

Under strong lighting:

• brighter pink coloration

• compact growth

• stronger leaf pigmentation

Under weak lighting:

• greener leaves

• reduced pink coloration

CO₂ Requirements

• Strongly recommended

With CO₂ supplementation:

• faster growth

• improved coloration

• healthier foliage

While it may survive without CO₂, its best appearance is achieved in high-tech setups.

Nutrient Requirements

Benefits from:

• complete liquid fertilization

• nitrate

• phosphate

• potassium

• iron

• micronutrients

Iron availability is especially important for:

• pink coloration

• healthy new growth

Growth and Propagation

Growth rate:

• Moderate

Propagation:

1. Cut healthy stem tops.

2. Replant cuttings.

3. Roots form at stem nodes.

Regular trimming encourages:

• bushier growth

• denser groups

Compatibility

Compatible with:

• tetras

• rasboras

• discus

• angelfish

• corydoras

• shrimp

Suitable for most peaceful planted aquariums.

Common Issues

Loss of Pink Color

Usually caused by:

• insufficient light

• inadequate nutrients

• weak CO₂ levels

Leggy Growth

Often caused by:

• low light intensity

Algae Growth

May occur if:

• lighting is excessive

• nutrients become unbalanced

Care Difficulty

Moderate to Advanced

Main requirements:

• strong lighting

• stable CO₂

• regular fertilization

• consistent maintenance

It performs best in established planted aquariums.

Advantages

• Stunning pink coloration

• Excellent focal-point plant

• Strong visual contrast

• Easy propagation

• Unique appearance

Disadvantages

• Best colors require high-tech conditions

• Needs regular trimming

• More demanding than common stem plants

Difference from Ludwigia Species

Compared to Ludwigia Inclinata:

• Polygonum Pink typically produces broader leaves

• Often displays brighter pink tones

• Has a more upright, structured growth pattern

Why Aquarists Value It

Polygonum Pink is admired for:

• intense pink coloration

• elegant leaf shape

• premium appearance

• strong aquascaping impact

A healthy group creates a vibrant splash of pink that immediately draws attention and provides exceptional contrast against green aquatic plants.