Limnophila Aquatica sp. Dwarf

Limnophila Aquatica sp. Dwarf is a native of southeast Asia, where it grows along the banks of slow moving to stagnant bodies of water. It differs from the similarly sized L. aquatica in that the leaves near the shoot apex are pale green with a red tinge. Although it has been in the hobby for many years, L. sp. Dwarf is a very rare plant in the United States. However, one could always procure it from vendors that regularly import plants from Oriental Aquariums in Singapore.

When growing conditions are to its liking, L. sp. Dwarf grows at an astonishing pace that is typical for its genus. It spreads invasively into other plant groupings by producing runner-like stems at the base. To prune, simply cut the more robust top portions and replant. Propagation can be done by snipping off a side shoot from the main stem and replanting it into the substrate.

This fine-leaved stem plant is an excellent candidate for the background of medium to large sized aquariums. It looks especially beautiful in Dutch layouts where it is carefully contrasted with plants of differing leaf sizes, textures, and colors.