Mangrove Red (Rhizophora mangle)

Mangrove Red (Rhizophora mangle)

The Mangrove Red, scientifically known as Rhizophora mangle, is a fascinating and hardy plant that thrives in both aquatic and semi-aquatic environments. Belonging to the Rhizophoraceae family, this red mangrove species is native to tropical and subtropical coastal areas across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. In aquariums and terrariums, however, it stays compact, usually reaching a height of 30–90 cm (1–3 feet), making it perfect for smaller indoor environments. When grown as a red mangrove aquarium plant, it produces elegant aerial roots that extend into the water, absorbing nutrients and improving water clarity. These roots develop a striking reddish-brown hue that makes them highly decorative. In a terrarium or paludarium setup, the Mangrove Red thrives when its roots are kept in moist soil or shallow water, creating a natural miniature mangrove forest effect. With consistent light and warmth, this plant develops thick, glossy green leaves and strong stems that can grow both above and below water. Another fascinating feature of the Rhizophora mangle red mangrove is its small, creamy-yellow red mangrove flowers that bloom at the tips of the branches. These delicate blossoms are subtle but add a touch of beauty and natural authenticity to the plant, especially in open-top terrariums or when grown in well-lit conditions. After flowering, the plant may produce propagules that can be used for propagation and new growth.

The Red Mangrove grows upright with sturdy stems and distinctive prop roots that develop into a stunning display over time. It can reach impressive heights in open systems, while staying manageable in aquariums and terrariums. Perfect for paludariums or open-top tanks, Mangrove Red is both decorative and beneficial for the overall ecosystem balance.

Benefits

• Improves water quality by absorbing nitrates and excess nutrients.
• Enhances oxygen levels and supports a balanced aquarium ecosystem.
• Provides natural shelter for small fish, shrimp, and aquatic creatures.
• Acts as a striking centerpiece plant with its beautiful red mangrove roots and smooth green leaves.
• Helps reduce algae growth by competing for nutrients.

Care Guide

Caring for your Red Mangrove plant is simple and rewarding. With the right light, temperature, and water conditions, it will grow steadily and add natural beauty to your aquarium or terrarium.

Light

The Red Mangrove thrives in bright, direct light. Place it near a strong light source or under aquarium lighting that mimics sunlight. Insufficient light can slow growth and reduce root coloration.

Temperature

Keep the temperature between 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F) for optimal growth. These red mangrove species prefer warm, tropical environments similar to their natural coastal habitats.

CO2

Red Mangrove aquarium plants do not require CO2 injection, but moderate levels can enhance growth and leaf color. They rely mostly on natural air exchange when their leaves grow above the waterline.

Water Parameters

This hardy species adapts to a wide range of water types. Ideal water parameters are pH 7.0–8.2 with low to moderate salinity. It can grow in freshwater, brackish, or marine aquariums, making it a versatile choice.

Growth Rate

The Red Mangrove tree grows slowly at first as it establishes roots, then steadily upward. Over time, it develops its characteristic tangle of red mangrove roots that become a natural work of art in your setup.

Propagation

Propagation of Rhizophora mangle is usually done through seedlings or propagules. Once roots start forming, plant them in substrate or suspend them above water until they anchor naturally. New leaves will sprout as the plant matures.

Note: Images are for reference only. Actual plants may vary in size, color, and appearance due to natural variations and seasonal changes.

At Canton Aquatics LLC, we take great pride in providing high-quality live aquarium plants to our customers. We understand the complexities involved in shipping live plants and are committed to ensuring they arrive at your doorstep in excellent condition.

Shipping Process:

• All live plants are shipped using USPS Standard and Priority Mail to provide the fastest and most reliable service.
• Plants are typically shipped Monday - Friday to avoid weekend delays.
• Each plant is carefully packaged in sealed plastic bags to hold in moisture during the shipping process.

DOA (Dead on Arrival) Policy:

• If you receive plants that are dead on arrival, please contact us within 2 hours of delivery with clear photographic evidence.
• Upon receipt of the photos, we will assess the situation. If the plants are determined to be DOA, we will replace or provide refund.
• For a valid DOA claim, replacements or refunds will be processed within 2 business days after the claim is approved.
• Please keep in mind that all plants require sun light to live therefore your plants may arrive slightly yellow.  Please float your plants at the top of your tank near the light for 3 days if applicable.  They will enjoy this new added light intensity to help them recover.

Limitations and Responsibilities:

• The DOA policy is only applicable if the first delivery attempt is made within the shipping duration specified at the time of purchase.
• Delays due to incorrect shipping information provided by the customer or missed deliveries will void the DOA guarantee.
• Extreme weather conditions can impact the health of the plants in transit. We recommend checking the weather forecasts and choosing a shipping window accordingly.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to acclimate the plants to their new environment according to best practices. Our DOA policy does not cover plants that perish due to improper acclimation.

Cancellation and Changes:

• Orders can only be cancelled or changed before they are shipped. Once the order is in transit, we cannot accept cancellations or changes.

Customer Support:

• If you have any questions or concerns regarding our shipping policy or the condition of your plants upon arrival, please contact our customer support team at [Contact Information].

By placing an order with Canton Aquatics LLC, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this shipping policy.

Please be sure to check the regulations in your state regarding restricted plants. Our policy is to avoid shipping any plants that are prohibited in your area to ensure compliance and environmental safety. It's important not to introduce plants into the wild or waterways, as this could disrupt local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

We appreciate your efforts in helping to protect the environment. For the latest updates, you can consult the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your dedication to preserving our natural habitats.