Lysimachia (Lysimachia nummularia): creeping plant for natural aquariums or outdoor ponds
A truly versatile amphibious ground cover and flowering plant
Lysimachia (or Moneywort) is a marsh plant capable of living submerged or emerged. In aquariums, its round light green leaves form a bright mass. In ponds, it rises above the surface, blooms bright yellow in summer (flowers about 2 cm), and withstands frost without flinching (down to -20 °C).
Perfect for camouflaging edges and covering banks, with often evergreen foliage.
Why choose Lysimachia?
- Versatile: aquarium, trash garden, pond, and wet banks. It feels at home everywhere!
- Dense ground cover: its creeping stems root at each node, allowing it to spread across the surface.
- Yellow summer flowering, very decorative when emerged.
- Very hardy: it withstands intense frost outdoors.
- Easy to propagate: each rooted fragment can be replanted, in an aquarium or pond water. Lysimachia roots easily along its stems.
- Low-tech friendly: thrives in simple sand and flexible parameters. It feeds more from the water than through its roots.
Planting and growing tips
- Aquarium: plant at several spaced points to encourage a regular light green carpet. Medium to strong light for a brighter color.
- Pond / banks: place the stems with their feet in water or very moist soil. Ideal for hiding the liner and edging the bank.
- Maintenance: prune and replant rooted segments. Remove excess if it spreads too much.
- Winter: leaving it outside is possible (very hardy species).
- Substrate and water: simple soil, soft to moderately hard water. No technical requirements in aquarium or pond.
Possible uses of Lysimachia
- Low-tech aquarium: foreground or bright clusters.
- Pond & mini-pond: persistent carpet, yellow flowering, bank dressing.
- Trash pond: rapid growth in season, regrowth in spring.
FAQ – Lysimachia (Lysimachia nummularia)
Can it be grown in low-tech setups?
Yes, it grows very well without CO2 or technical substrate. Its tolerance makes it a must-have.
Does it keep its color in the aquarium?
Yes. Sufficient light enhances its bright green/yellow color, which contrasts beautifully with dark green or red plants (Microsorum, Cryptocoryne, or Hygrophila costata).
Is it truly hardy in the garden?
Yes, it withstands severe frost (-20 °C) and regrows every year.
How to achieve a quick ground cover effect?
Distribute layered stems (with roots) and regularly prune and replant.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Perfectly: easy, robust, and very tolerant of all conditions and parameters.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Lysimachia nummularia
- Plant type: creeping or upright amphibious plant
- Light: sun to partial shade, very tolerant.
- Temperature: -20 to +30°C! From outdoor ponds to tropical aquariums, it adapts well.
- Current: it prefers calm waters.
- Packaging: 3 stems with roots (indicative weight: 20 g).
- Guarantee: without rock wool or any artificial substrate of any kind.
- Recommendation: As a precautionary principle, please never release this plant into the wild. Our ecosystems are fragile and must be preserved.
