
Image: AI generated
Angola Redstem Plant Care
Ammannia angolensis (A.Fern. & Diniz) S.A.Graham & Gandhi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Ammannia angolensis is a striking aquatic plant known for its vibrant red and green leaves that create a beautiful contrast in aquariums. Its unique growth habit, where it forms dense clusters of foliage, makes it a sought-after choice for aquascapers looking to add color and texture to their tanks.
Every 4–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Angola Redstem?
Plant Angola Redstem in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 4–7 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Angola Redstem?
Angola Redstem (Ammannia angolensis) belongs to the Lythraceae family within the Ammannia genus. Angola Redstem is native to Angola, Namibia.
Angola Redstem displays an upright, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Angola Redstem produces small, colorful clusters of blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Angola Redstem?
Water a young or newly planted Angola Redstem every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 4–7 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Angola Redstem Need?
Angola Redstem thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Angola Redstem Prefer?
Ammannia angolensis tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Angola Redstem prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Angola Redstem?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Angola Redstem to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Angola Redstem?
Feed Angola Redstem every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Angola Redstem?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Angola Redstem is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Angola Redstem?
Angola Redstem can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Angola Redstem?
Prune Angola Redstem while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Angola Redstem in Winter?
Angola Redstem is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Angola Redstem?
Angola Redstem can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ammannia coccinea plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Angola Redstem Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Angola Redstem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Angola Redstem?
Angola Redstem is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Angola Redstem Need?
Angola Redstem grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Angola Redstem is native to Angola, Namibia. In cooler regions, grow Angola Redstem as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Angola Redstem is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ammannia genus — compare its care with other Ammannia species on PlantoScan.
Ammannia is part of the Lythraceae plant family — browse all Lythraceae genera and species.
Angola Redstem thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ammannia Species
Other Ammannia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ammannia angolensis (A.Fern. & Diniz) S.A.Graham & Gandhi, family Lythraceae (first published in Harvard Pap. Bot. 18: 72 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Angola Redstem, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
