Limnophila hippuridoides

Overview: Limnophila hippuridoides in native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia and the Pacific lands. It is especially found abundantly the Malayan peninsula or Malakka. It is actually a marsh weed sold under various trade names all over the world. It is a fairly undemanding aquatic plant and adjusts well to a wide variety of climatic conditions. Limnophila hippuridoides is found in marshes, bogs and even in the aquatic form in the natural habitat and can be found in both submerged and fully immersed conditions. The leaves when crushed emit a faintly distinct aroma. These fast growing marsh weeds are angiosperms in nature, which means they are seed bearing plants. The bright coloration in contrasts of green and red with good height makes it apt as a background plant in aquariums.

Appearance: Limnophila hippuridoides are found in both submerged and partially immersed conditions. The leaves are whorled in submerged conditions and oppositely arranged in the aerial state. The plant attains height between 20 and 50 cms and approximately 6-10 cm wide. The leaves are bright green and lanced or pinnate shaped with smooth or serrated edges on the leaf blade. The underside of the leaves has a reddish violet coloration under optimal conditions. Limnophila hippuridoides may bear flowers in solitary on leaf axils or borne as an inflorescence. The corolla is tubular or funnel-shaped and the sepals arranged in a tubular calyx form. The corolla of Limnophila hippuridoides has three lobes in the lower lip and is single or double-lobed on the upper lip.

Hard/Soft plant: Soft plant

Ideal water temperature conditions: Limnophila hippuridoides being a tropically grown aquatic marsh weed prefers warmer temperatures between 18 to 30 degree Celsius.

Lighting conditions: Limnophila hippuridoides thrives and flourishes when exposed to high lighting levels. Its growth is usually fast and in order to prevent it from overcrowding it in an aquarium set-up, medium lighting is preferred via 2 to 5 gallons per lighting light bulbs.

Ideal water pH conditions: Limnophila hippuridoides prefers pH levels between 6 and 7 for ideal growth and water hardness between 2 and 12 pH

Functions and uses: Limnophila hippuridoides serves as a great addition as a background plant since it has a good height and increases the aesthetic appeal of aquariums in contrast with other plants.

Did you know?

Limnophila hippuridoides is a vibrant and fast growing plant willingly creating offshoots from the base. These can be trimmed and replanted in the substrate for propagation. To make room for the new shoots, pruning of older and longer shoots are highly recommended.