Growing Limnophila Aromatica (Limnophila Aromatica) In The Aquarium

This is a semi-aquatic plant. Its natural habitats are shallow ponds, paddy-fields, swamps in south-eastern Asia.

The plant has stalky stem. Its leaves develop in nodes – from two arranged opposite each other to a few arranged whorls. These leaves have lanceolate shape with serrated margins. They are 5 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide. Their colour is green on the top and purplish on the bottom. The species has extensive root system.

Colour of the leaves depends on type of the lighting and water conditions. Strong light and additional fertilization (carbon dioxide, iron, phosphorus) cause strengthening of violet-pink colour. We should plant it in the middle or at the back of the aquarium. The plant grows moderately quickly but it takes root fairly well.

We may arrange it in groups or we may grade their by trimming. Then we will form effective and beautiful terraces. Systematic cutting of the plant tops stimulates growth of the side shoots.

This is spermatophyte species but fine and violet flowers develop only above the water surface. In aquarium we reproduce it vegetatively – by seedlings from cut stems. We need to plant only tops of the species at distance of a few centimeters between seedlings.