Didiplis Diandra

Didiplis diandra, commonly known as Waterhedge or Bloodtooth, is a delicate and visually striking stem plant native to North America. Renowned for its fine, needle-like foliage and ability to transition from vibrant green to rich orange and fiery red hues, it is a favorite for Dutch-style aquascapes and advanced planted tanks.

Quick Plant Facts

• Origin: North America (Eastern United States)

• Placement: Midground to Background

• Growth Rate: Medium to Fast (under optimal conditions)

• Height: 4 to 12 inches (or taller if left unpruned)

• Care Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Ideal Water Parameters

• Temperature: 68°F – 82°F (20°C – 28°C)

• pH Range: 6.0 – 7.2

• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)

Care Requirements

1. Lighting (High Intensity Required)

• Didiplis diandra demands high lighting to thrive and display its trademark warm, reddish-orange coloration.

• Under low or moderate light, the leaves will remain a plain green, and the lower portions of the stems will quickly shed their leaves due to poor light penetration.

2. CO2 & Fertilization:

• CO2 Injection: Not required.

• Nutrients: It requires a nutrient-rich water column and substrate. Regular dosing of a comprehensive liquid fertilizer—with a strong focus on iron, nitrates, and phosphates—is necessary to prevent stunted growth and pale foliage.

Planting and Propagation

• How to Plant: Group several stems together (about 5 to 10 stems per bunch) and plant them into the substrate using aquascaping tweezers, leaving a small gap between bunches to ensure light reaches the lower leaves.

• Propagation: Trim the healthy upper portions of the stems and replant them into the substrate. The parent stems will branch out extensively right below the cut, creating a much thicker, bushier look over time.

• Pruning: Regular trimming is essential to maintain a neat shape and prevent the lower stems from getting shaded out and rotting.