Limnophila aromatica
A serrated-leaf stem plant that flushes deep purple-red on the underside of each leaf when grown under high light. Aromatic when crushed (it is the Vietnamese herb 'rice paddy herb' grown emersed). Trim weekly to encourage side shoots.
Limnophila Aromatica (Limnophila aromatica) is a stem aquatic plant for the background of a planted tank. It reaches 25–50 cm under good conditions and grows at a medium rate. Light: high. CO₂: required. Target 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Substrate: Aquasoil + iron-rich dosing. Propagate via top cuttings.
Care at a glance
A serrated-leaf stem plant that flushes deep purple-red on the underside of each leaf when grown under high light. Aromatic when crushed (it is the Vietnamese herb 'rice paddy herb' grown emersed). Trim weekly to encourage side shoots.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether limnophila aromatica fits in your tank.
Plantaginaceae
Stem
Background
Aquasoil + iron-rich dosing
Top cuttings
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: required. Light requirement: high. Under stable injected CO₂ the plant grows at a medium rate.
Limnophila Aromatica (Limnophila aromatica) needs high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: background. Substrate: Aquasoil + iron-rich dosing It typically reaches 25–50 cm.
Propagation method: Top cuttings. Limnophila Aromatica is a stem plant.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 5.5–7.5, and 2–12 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 3/5. Intermediate, stable parameters and a mature tank matter.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
