Limnophila 'Mini Vietnam' Care Guide
Limnophila sp. 'Mini Vietnam' is a compact Asian stem plant with fine whorled leaves, suited as a delicate midground accent with CO2.
Overview
Limnophila sp. 'Mini Vietnam' is a compact stem plant of the family Plantaginaceae with very fine, finely divided leaves arranged in whorls along short internodes. It is an uncommon hobby form used as a delicate midground accent and is not a formally described botanical species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Genus: Limnophila
- Scientific name: Limnophila sp. 'Mini Vietnam'
Origin
The genus Limnophila is widely distributed across the Asian tropics and subtropics. This form is associated with Vietnam and is offered in the hobby as a small, bushy stem plant rather than a documented wild population.
Tank requirements
- Lighting: medium to high
- CO2: recommended (genus tolerates a wide range, roughly 5-40 mg/L)
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Maximum height: about 20 cm
- Placement: midground
Planting and care
Grown as a stem plant in a nutrient-rich substrate, it stays compact and bushy under stronger light. The fine, feathery foliage benefits from CO2 supplementation and stable nutrients. Regular trimming encourages dense, branched growth.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings: trimmed tops are replanted into the substrate, where they root and form new shoots.
Difficulty
Rated intermediate. The fine foliage and demand for adequate light, CO2 and nutrients make it more sensitive than easy, robust Limnophila species.