Limnophila sessiliflora 'Mini' Care Guide
Limnophila sessiliflora 'Mini' is a compact cultivar of the Asian Ambulia (Plantaginaceae) with fine whorled leaves, suited as a feathery midground stem.
Overview
Limnophila sessiliflora 'Mini' is a smaller cultivar of Limnophila sessiliflora, an Asian aquatic plant of the family Plantaginaceae commonly known as Ambulia, dwarf ambulia or Asian marshweed. The species forms whorls of finely divided, feathery leaves; the 'Mini' selection has shorter internodes and finer foliage, making it useful as a feathery midground stem.
Taxonomy
- Family: Plantaginaceae
- Genus: Limnophila
- Scientific name: Limnophila sessiliflora 'Mini'
- Common name: Mini Ambulia
Habitat
Limnophila sessiliflora is native to a wide swath of South and Southeast Asia, from Bangladesh, India and Nepal through China, Japan and the Philippines. It occupies a range of freshwater wetlands including ponds, rice fields and swamps, in both permanent and seasonal waters up to about 1,900 m altitude, and can grow submerged or emergent.
Aquarium requirements
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Lighting: medium (stronger light keeps growth compact)
- CO2: not required
- Maximum height: up to about 25 cm
- Placement: midground
Growth and care
The species is a very fast-growing, robust and adaptable stem plant. Under strong light and with micronutrients the feathery tips may take on a slightly reddish tint. The 'Mini' cultivar's shorter internodes give a denser, more compact appearance than the standard form.
Propagation
Propagation is by cuttings: the shoot tip is cut and replanted into the substrate, where it roots and continues to grow. Frequent trimming keeps the feathery stand tidy and dense.