Limnophila aromatica

Aquarium enthusiasts love Limnophila aromatica, an aquatic plant with a vivid appearance and distinct aroma. Originating in Southeast Asia, this plant infuses any aquarium with beauty and a hint of exotica.

The delicate leaves of Limnophila aromatica, which vary in hue from green to reddish-purple, create a dramatic contrast with the underwater scenery. But this plant is much more than just pretty; it filters water and gives fish cover, which are both essential for keeping an aquarium environment healthy.

Limnophila aromatica is an easy-to-care-for plant that is appropriate for novice and expert aquarium keepers alike. Its growth is impressive, and given the right circumstances, it can become a prominent feature in your tank quite quickly.

Habitat in nature

Southeast Asian continents and islands are home to the endemic Limnophila aromatica. It grows in sunny or shady-sunny areas with excess moisture and along the banks of rivers with slow-moving water. In rice-growing nations, drained rice fields are home to Limnophila aromatica, which grows rapidly there.

On other continents, limnophila is also present in regions with tropical or equatorial climates.

The aroma of lemon and cumin that the herb emits is the source of the second prefix in the name. It is added to tea, used as a seasoning for food, and used to make preparations for folk medicine. Aquascaping uses the plant in North America and Europe.

Description of appearance

Limnophila aromatica is a member of the family Scrophulariaceae. There are 35 different varieties of limnophiles in their own genus within this family. The translation of the genus name, "pond-loving," refers to the "habits" of the plant.

From a biological perspective, the term "ambulia," which has also persisted in common usage, is deemed inaccurate.

Limnophila aromatica has a bush diameter of 17 cm and a maximum height of half a meter. The plant’s stem may rest on the bottom of the aquarium or be upright. It can be smooth or wrinkled, and its thickness ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 cm. Its color ranges from green to purple. The leaves are arranged in whorls and are nearly uniform in length. Up to eight leaves can exist in a node at a single level.

L. aromatica is capable of growing above the water’s surface. As a result, the leaves in its above-water portion turn purple, and under such circumstances, flowering may occur.

The size and form of the leaves on the underwater portion and the aerial part are different:

• underwater leaves are narrow, oblong with a pointed tip and base;
• above-water leaf blades are formed ovoid.

The leaves measure an average of 4 cm in length and 0.5–1 cm in width at the center of the plate. The leaf blades have a glossy surface and asymmetrical serrations around the edges that point upwards in the leaf.

The leaves have distinct colors; the lower portion is purple, and the upper portion can be light green, olive, or any combination of brown.

The plant Limnophila aromatica is extremely fluffy. The short stem segments (about 0.1 cm) that separate the nodes are what cause this effect.

Because of its vivid colors and fragrant leaves, Limnophila aromatica is a versatile and attractive aquatic plant that is well-liked by aquarium enthusiasts. It is an excellent option for enhancing the aesthetics and equilibrium of an aquarium ecosystem because it grows well in well-lit tanks with nutrient-rich water.

Conditions for keeping in an aquarium

Out of all the varieties of Limnophila, L. aromatica is thought to be the most erratic in terms of maintenance. This plant, which grows to a height of more than 50 centimeters, is planted in aquariums with a capacity of 80 liters.

Hydrochemical parameters

L. aromatica’s appearance is directly impacted by the quality of the water. Of all the members of the genus, aromatica is the one that needs to have ongoing indicators.

Ideal water parameters:

• temperature range – 22-28ºС;
• acidity – 5.5-7.0 pH;
• hardness – 4-14º.

The plant responds poorly to sudden changes in temperature, but it feels fine at any of the above range’s temperature indicators. It becomes unviable at temperatures below 15 and above 30°C.

Color greatly depends on carbonate hardness. The color of the leaves changes to a light green in soft water and dark scarlet or purple in hard water (above 8º). The leaves also grow denser in hard water.

It needs a filtration system and frequent water changes (one weekly change of ¼ of the total volume of liquid). Excessive volume variations drastically alter the water parameters, which has a detrimental effect on the aromatica’s health: the upper bud grows more slowly, the leaves shrink, the distance between nodes gets shorter, and the plant gets extremely bushy. The leaves won’t wither or become overtaken by algae if organic deposits and suspended matter are prevented from settling on them by the filter.

Lighting

Lighting has a big impact on the aromatica limnophila’s beauty, color, and shine. The plant needs a strong light source (at least 0.8 W/l) and a lengthy daylighting period (10–13 hours). In these circumstances, the leaves take on a reddish hue and start to shimmer. In the absence of light, the bushes splay and the scarlet hue becomes barely noticeable. Use aquarium lamps specifically designed to produce a wide spectrum of light, or prefer fluorescent lamps. Installing lights with a predominant red or blue spectrum is not advised.

Limnophila can experience stress from a narrow spectrum, which results in a protracted recovery period.

Supply of carbon dioxide and mineral feeding

Limnophila aromatica is a type of hydrophyte that grows slowly, but it can be made to grow faster by adding 25–30 mg/l of carbon dioxide in addition to adequate lighting.

Furthermore, the plant produces flavonoids in response to light, which act as a protective shield against radiation. Since this requires a lot of energy, regular photosynthesis requires a supply of carbon dioxide, which is achieved through the process of spray fermentation.

Lower leaves die as a result of insufficient CO2 and fertilizers. Consequently, the stem becomes bare and only the top stays lush. Limnophila require potassium (5–30 mg/l), phosphates (0.1-3 mg/l), nitrates (1–50 mg/l), and iron (up to 0.5 mg/l). Fish food is added daily, along with micro and macroelements. Because it requires a little more CO2 and fertilizer, the plant is thought to be more difficult to maintain.

Soil

For Limnophila aromatica, silted soil is essential to its existence because it provides all of its nutrients. For backfill, small pebbles work best. It helps the plant take root more easily. When cleaning the bottom, large, coarse soil can easily damage the hydrophyte’s delicate roots. This allows them to rot, which causes the bush to float to the top. Sandstone has a well-established root system that grows quickly and becomes more powerful. Underneath the soil is a nutrient substrate that has a high iron content.

Dangers in the aquarium

Limnophila takes some time to grow when it is first planted. It can only be accelerated by an intense feeding schedule and CO2 supply. However, there is a risk of an algae outbreak, to which all members of the genus are vulnerable. Nearly every kind of algae grows on the plant’s stems and leaves. Their appearance could be caused by an excess of nitrates, an imbalance of nutrients in the water, or the presence of rotting lower leaves from slow growth. Shrimp are frequently kept in aquariums where Limnophila thrives. They consume algae fouling, which keeps the plant clean.

Pruning and propagation

Pruning and planting new cuttings are necessary for the ongoing maintenance of Limnophila aromatica. The plant is revitalized by this. Furthermore, the lower leaves are rotting because the dense tops shade them. However, the plant does not take well to pruning. New growth takes time to develop. It should take a few weeks for the previous decorativeness to disappear.

Vegetative propagation is used to multiply L. Aromatica. Dugging the lower ant on the cuttings in the soil, it is sufficient to separate the top of the bush or a lateral escape with developed foliage and plant it in the ground. A root system forms at the seedling after a week, and new growth points start to show up in the mother plant.

If the upper kidney is not planted with the seedlings, it will soon form as a primitive side shoot. In this instance, growth requires more time.

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Limnophile"s place in Akvaskep

The water area of Limnophila Aromatica is utilized for middle and posterior plant purposes. However, more frequent haircuts are needed as the middle power in the middle plan grows. Groups of three to seven bushes planted together produce the best view. Planting too many thick shoots is not advised. As a result, the decorative effect is lost and the stems become bare.

Because Limnophila can grow both in water and the air, under the right circumstances, the bush can grow over the water’s surface. However, seasoned aquarists advise against doing so because the plant’s appearance deteriorates. The number of daylight hours is cut down to eight after the shoots appear on the surface if the objective is to produce aerial parts and flowering.

The stiff stem of a plant is erect in nature. It is very hard to do this in an aquarium.

One characteristic of Limnophila aromatica is that it can deform the trunk by shifting the growth point every 7 cm.

Large aquariums provide a better feeling for the plant. Limnophila’s leaves shrink and sometimes wither in tiny containers and densely vegetated reservoirs.

A distinctive and adaptable plant that can enhance the aesthetics and usefulness of your aquarium is limnophila aromatica. Because of its rich growth and vivid colors, it’s a popular option for aquarists who want to improve the aesthetic appeal of their tanks.

Although maintaining Limnophila aromatica is not too difficult, it is important to pay attention to its water, lighting, and nutrient levels to ensure its healthy growth. This plant can flourish in the correct conditions and turn into the focal point of your aquatic landscape.

Limnophila aromatica is a plant that can add a touch of elegance from nature to your underwater world, whether you’re an experienced aquarist or just getting started. It can create a calm and vibrant environment for your fish and other aquatic inhabitants.

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