Description

Limnophila aromatica / hippuridoides is a simple stem plant native to Asia. It is often found as a weed in Asian rice fields and is used as an aromatic herb (ngò om) in some Vietnamese soups. There is some confusion between L. aromatica and L. hippuridoides and you can read about the differences here. In general, L. hippuridoides has more leaves (6-8) per node and is more reddish, while L. aromatica is more variable (3-8 leaves) and has varieties that are greenish or reddish. Otherwise they have similar requirements.

They can be recognised by their serrated leaf edges and aromatic scent. They grow easily and will reach the water surface of most aquariums, with a diameter of between 2 and 2.5 inches. Emersed forms have fewer leaves than submerged forms.

Limnophila aromatica is tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and is an easy plant to grow. It grows tall and aggressive and is best used as a background plant. Due to its coarser leaf texture it seems to be less favoured in today's aquascapes. However, we find that it forms attractive clusters with good colouration.

Limnophila aromatica is a good background plant with attractive foliage. Here it contrasts sharply with Ludwigia sp. red and Myriophyllum 'Guyana'.

They can be pruned aggressively. This encourages the formation of side shoots and the plant can become very bushy. It is very tolerant of dense growth and can be pruned for many months without the need for replanting (the lower parts don't deteriorate as easily and will send out new shoots when the plant is pruned). It can tolerate a degree of self-shading.