Growing stem plants in thickets in the background of the aquarium provides a defined composition to the layout. The bushes of stem plants are not only beautiful but at the same time, they play the role of purifying water by way of vigorous nutrient absorption and increasing the dissolved oxygen level through active photosynthesis. These activities of stem plants contribute to the improvement of the aquarium environment and help maintain the healthy conditions of fish and microorganisms.

To promote the active nutrient absorption and photosynthesis of stem plants, applying an appropriate amount of fertilizers is essential along with ensuring favorable substrate, light and CO2 conditions. In general, the aquarium is prone to excessively high nitrogen and phosphate levels caused by fish feces or leftover fish food, which leads to algal growth. These substances are taken up by stem plants as nutrients. To effectively facilitate this absorption activity, it is necessary to apply various trace elements including potassium and iron that are often lacking in an aquarium.
No matter how bountiful nitrogen and phosphate levels are in the aquarium, the absorption activity of stem plants will be obstructed if potassium and trace elements are in short supply. Furthermore, potassium and trace elements are essential for synthesis of photosynthesis pigments and the smooth functioning of photosynthesis.

In light of this, it is required to apply the prescribed dosage of  N P K  (Macro Nutrients) daily to an aquarium with stem plants. Supplying an adequate amount of potassium and trace elements helps achieve the desired vivid leaf color of stem plants and promote active photosynthesis. Among various trace elements, the most important one is iron. Iron is an essential element particularly for pigment synthesis of red stem plants and therefore, the leaf color of stem plant is greatly influenced by how much iron is supplied. Applying Iron together with daily liquid fertilizer is effective in maintaining the red color of stem plants. Iron absorbed by stem plants is utilized for pigment synthesis and also for the formation of new buds. Since the cluster of stem plants appears beautiful only with aligned terminal buds, it is very effective to apply Iron together with Micro Nutrients