Persicaria Praetermissa

Persicaria praetermissa is a fast-growing stem plant sold in the hobby under the name Polygonum sp. 'Ruby' before its proper name caught up with it, and Flowgrow still lists that older label as a synonym. It is native from the Himalayas and eastern Asia through Malesia to eastern and southeastern Australia, a broad range that shows up in how tolerant it is of ordinary aquarium water. Flowgrow has not yet written a description for it, so the notes below beyond its parameter sliders draw on how the plant is kept in practice.

The slider values Flowgrow does publish put it in a pH of 5 to 7 and temperatures of 23 to 27 °C, with medium to high light and a CO₂ supply in the higher range. Under those it grows quickly and needs frequent trimming, and cut tops replant easily as new plants. The red flush it shows in the trade is a product of strong light and steady feeding rather than a fixed trait, and gardeners commonly keep it to about 40 cm.

In a layout it works as a background or midground stem whose fine, pointed leaves contrast with broad-leafed plants. Keeping nitrogen in check stops it from overrunning neighbours, and the trimmings are a steady supply of fresh stock.