Hyptis lorentziana - 1 Bunch
Unfortunately, Hyptis lorentziana is hardly available in trade these days, which makes it a rare aquarium plant. However, there is a growing number of hobbyists around the world who cultivate and propagate this beautiful plant and thus hopefully make it more readily available in the future. In Europe, though, H. lorentziana is hardly known as aquarium plant at all - yet.
Under ideal growing conditions its petiolate leaves are of a deep red and grow in pairs along the stem. In the leaf axils, lateral shoots are formed. H. lorentziana does well under almost any water parameters, however, it needs strong lighting, CO2 injection and a regular supply of nutrients if you want it to display its beautiful purple-red colour (see photo). A nitrate level of around 10 mg/l contributes to intensive colours. In addition, phosphate ought to be a constant 1-2 mg/l. Under these conditions, H. lorentziana will grow strongly.