Limnophila Belem care guide
Limnophila Belem (Limnophila sp. 'Belem') — high light, 22-28 °C, pH 5.5-7, CO2 recommended.
Overview
Limnophila Belem (Limnophila sp. 'Belem') is a feathery-leaved plant of the family Plantaginaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Compact dwarf form of Limnophila with very small whorled leaves. Slow but steady stem plant suited to nano scapes and detail planting in midground; needs CO2 and good lighting for color.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Genus: Limnophila
- Scientific name: Limnophila sp. 'Belem'
Habitat
Limnophila is a genus of marsh stem plants from tropical Asia and Africa, common in rice paddies and slow waters, with finely divided submersed foliage and broader emersed leaves. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from South America.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: high
- CO2: recommended
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-8 °dGH
- Substrate: aquasoil
- Maximum height: 15 cm
- Growth rate: medium
- Nutrient demand: high
- Recommended placement: midground
- Typical trim interval: 14 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the midground. It is a feathery background stem plant grown in groups; bright light and CO2 keep the whorls dense, while low light leaves it sparse and elongated.
Propagation
This species is propagated by cuttings; replanted tops root quickly and the genus branches freely from the cut stem.
Common issues
The fine foliage traps debris and is prone to algae if flow or maintenance is poor; insufficient light causes thin, widely spaced whorls.