Limnophila Aromatica
Limnophila aromatica
Also known as Rice Paddy Herb, Ambulia Aromatica
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Plantaginaceae
📍 Southeast Asia
Limnophila aromatica is a stunning stem plant with leaves that shift from green to vibrant purple-red under high light and good iron supplementation. Used extensively in Dutch-style aquascaping, it provides brilliant colour contrast in the background.
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by @karleenmendoza
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 3 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Limnophila Aromatica.
Compatible Livestock
Shrimp won't damage plant tissue and help control algae; they thrive in the same water parameters
Excellent algae control without harming plants; compatible with high-light planted setups
Small, peaceful fish that won't uproot or damage stems; adds color contrast
Algae-eating fish that won't damage plant leaves; prefers similar water parameters
Excellent companion plant for foreground; shares identical care requirements and light needs
Low-light plant that can be placed in shade created by Limnophila; adds structural variety
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron)
Yellowing of new leaves while veins remain green; stunted growth; loss of red coloration despite high light
Dose chelated iron supplement weekly; ensure macronutrient fertilizer is dosed consistently; check that lighting is truly high-intensity
Algae Overgrowth on Leaves
Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces; reduced photosynthesis; plant growth slowing
Increase water change frequency to 50% weekly; reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours; add algae-eating shrimp or fish; manually remove affected leaves
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; stems turning soft; rapid plant deterioration
Perform 50% water change immediately; check CO2 levels and ensure they're adequate (30-40 ppm); verify temperature is within range; trim affected stems and replant healthy portions
Slow Growth or Stunting
Minimal new leaf development; pale coloration; plant remaining small despite adequate light
Increase fertilizer dosing; verify CO2 supplementation is active; ensure lighting is 8-10 hours daily at high intensity; check that macronutrients (NPK) are balanced
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- diet
- Water column feeder; benefits from substrate nutrients
- light
- High
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Fast
Water it likes
- ph
- 5.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <30 ppm
- hardness
- 1–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.