{"product_id":"persicaria-sao-paulo","title":"Persicaria Maculosa 'Sao Paulo'","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Persicaria 'Sao Paulo'\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePersicaria 'Sao Paulo' is a stunning stem plant prized for its vibrant pink, red, and green foliage. It is particularly popular among aquascapers looking to introduce strong colour contrast into a planted aquarium, with healthy growth capable of producing rich pink-red tones under the right conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe elongated leaves develop along upright stems, creating an attractive vertical structure that works especially well as a midground or background feature. When planted in groups, Persicaria 'Sao Paulo' can form a striking colourful bush that contrasts beautifully against green aquarium plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plant performs best under \u003cstrong\u003emoderate to high lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e, with consistent CO₂ and good nutrient availability helping to develop its strongest colouration. While it can survive without CO₂, growth is generally slower and the foliage may remain greener.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular trimming encourages branching and creates a denser, more compact appearance. Healthy stem cuttings can easily be replanted to propagate the plant and expand your aquascape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its vibrant colour and distinctive foliage, Persicaria 'Sao Paulo' is an excellent choice for experienced aquascapers wanting a dramatic red or pink accent plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePersicaria\u003c\/em\u003e sp. 'Sao Paulo'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Persicaria 'Sao Paulo'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Stem Plant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Intermediate\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate to High\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCO₂ Required:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20–28°C\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2–15 dGH\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlacement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midground to Background\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For:\u003c\/strong\u003e Nature aquariums, Dutch aquascapes, high-tech planted tanks, and freshwater community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Persicaria 'Sao Paulo' require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, but CO₂ is strongly recommended. Stable CO₂ helps produce faster growth, stronger stems, and more intense pink and red colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I get Persicaria 'Sao Paulo' to turn red?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong lighting, consistent CO₂, and balanced fertilisation are important. Good micronutrient availability also helps the plant develop stronger colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I propagate Persicaria 'Sao Paulo'?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut healthy stems above a leaf node and replant the cuttings directly into the substrate. New roots will develop from the lower nodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Persicaria 'Sao Paulo' suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is better suited to intermediate aquarists, particularly if you want to achieve its strongest red and pink colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow often should I trim it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrim as required to maintain the desired height and shape. Regular pruning encourages side shoots and produces a fuller bush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLow light can result in greener foliage and elongated stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInconsistent CO₂\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFluctuating CO₂ can stunt growth and make it difficult to maintain strong colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRegular fertilisation is important for healthy growth and vibrant foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting stems too closely\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAllow space between stems so light can reach the lower leaves and water can circulate freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNeglecting trimming\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUntrimmed stems can become tall and sparse. Regular pruning encourages attractive branching and denser growth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856340955275,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/jjJReMfmNTwv4ZvgN0xC100uVlMQyxdZQpH0aU73RnQHfeWKi0GHX3_ayReRg7nEHdVMHY5KNCxorzTsL-J4UWcIqmYv-TEEgniZmhfZz_YTiPV2840ttrc0QlpOgZOdhR4pTIEOEFIKZyAX96xAoMtN2TnHfvyhMCl-e1UPC0ExUq7Zy5A263X.jpg?v=1786333749","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/persicaria-sao-paulo","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}