Persicaria praetermissa (polygonum sao paulo) – Potted Plants (Imported Plants)

This knotweed was first introduced as Polygonum sp. ‘Ruby’ and later identified as Persicaria praetermissa ( = Polygonum praetermissum). This plant occurs in wide areas of tropical Asia and Australia, in marshy areas and on streamsides, and can grow above and below water. It has an interesting hastate leaf shape and develops nice reddish tones in its submerged forms. It is also an unusual stem plant due to its partly horizontal growth.

Persicaria praetermissa is not too difficult, however medium to strong lighting and a good nutrient and CO₂ supply are beneficial. It grows rather fast and is easily propagated by cuttings.

With its unusual horizontal growth habit, conspicuous leaf shape and nice, rather dark colours, this knotweed species is best placed as an accent plant in the midground, contrasting to light green, finely textured plants. Persicaria praetermissa is also interesting as emersed plant for paludariums and Wabi-Kusa.