Limnophila Aromatica

Limnophila aromatica is a stem plant that grows in the rice paddies of Asia and gives off a strong lemon-like scent when its leaves are crushed. In Vietnamese cooking it is used as a fresh herb under the name "ngò om." In the aquarium, however, it stands out for its colors: in strong light the upper side of the leaves becomes bronze-green, the underside purple-pink, and the top shoots turn distinctly pink.

Unlike ambulia, its leaves are not divided but long and lance-shaped. It also survives in medium light, but stays green and its internodes lengthen. Beautiful colors require strong light, CO₂ and regular iron supplementation. It gives the best results in soft, slightly acidic water.

• Stems are planted one by one with 3–4 cm between them; because the leaves spread wide, planting too densely shades the lower leaves.
• The leaves on the lower nodes are removed and the stem is buried 3–4 cm deep.
• It is planted in the background in clusters of 5–7 stems, creating a color transition among green plants.

• Light: High; it survives in medium light but loses color.
• CO₂: Not required, but clearly beneficial; recommended for color and dense growth.
• Water: Prefers soft, slightly acidic water.
• Fertilizer: Iron and micronutrient supplementation brings out the purple-pink tones; root tabs are also beneficial.
• Trimming: Cut from the top; stems that grow out of the water can produce purple-lilac flowers above the surface.

It is propagated by top cuttings. The cut tops are replanted; the main stem branches from the cut point. Because the aging lower parts become bare over time, the cluster is renewed with fresh tops every few months.

• Stems that stay green with long internodes: Light is insufficient.
• Pale or whitish new leaves: Iron deficiency.
• Lower leaves dropping: Shading; thin out the cluster.
• Slowing down in hard water: In very hard, alkaline water growth may stop; try to keep GH below 12.