Persicaria sp. "Pak Chong"

This delicate, splendidly coloured water knotweed was found years ago at a sunny streamside near Pak Chong in Thailand. It is able to grow above and under water and is not yet determined to species. In its submerged form, it develops straight upright, slender black red stems with narrowly lanceolate, up to about 1 cm wide and 10 cm long leaves. Especially the youngest leaves can display blood red tones. Older leaves are medium green and horizontally arrranged. It sometimes develops inflorescences not only above but also under water, however it continues its growth by a side shoot. This Persicaria ramifies regularly and looks best when it has not yet exceeded a height of about 30 cm. Persicaria sp. "Pak Chong" has moderate demands. As well as other aquarium knotweeds, it should be well supplied with macro- and micronutrients, also CO₂ addition is recommendable. Rather strong lighting enhances the beautiful red coloration of the upper leaves. Optimal temperatures lie between about 23 and 28℃. The stems are best planted with a bit of space to each other in a group. Its growth is moderately fast with about 3 to 7 cm per week. It is propagated by cuttings. Older, unsightly shoots with many water roots are best replaced by new cuttings of the shoot tip or side shoots. The Blood red water knotweed impresses with its bolt upright, but delicate growth habit with narrow, light red foliage and contrasts with light green and low growing plants. It is best placed as a free-standing group in the midground. Persicaria sp. "Pak Chong" is also interesting for paludariums and Wabi-Kusa, however its emersed leaves are rather green.

Delicate, upright stem plant Blood-red tones Rarely available Blood red water knotweed

Middle Ground

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