Limnophila aromatica

Scientific name: Limnophila aromatica

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 30 - 40 cm (11.81 - 15.75 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 3 - 14°N (53.57 - 250ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 21 - 28 °C (69.8 - 82.4°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings

Origin (in the wild): East Asia

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Common Name

Rice paddy herb

Origin

South East Asia; over recent years it has been introduced to North America.

Propagation

This plant is propagated by cuttings. Suppliers will often send the plant with cuttings bunched together to form a clump. This is the best way to initially plant this in the aquarium. When the plant is established take cuttings from the outer stems and group 3-4 together. This clump can then be carefully placed in the substrate to form a new plant.

Difficulty

Easy

Short Description

This aromatic plant is widely used in Vietnamese cooking. It is supposed to have the flavour and aroma of lemon and cumin. It gets its common name from its ability to flourish in the paddy fields and was introduced into North America by Vietnamese immigrants following the Vietnam War.