Dwarf ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Dwarf ambulia, Ambulia, Asian marshweed
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
South and East Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to China, Japan, the Philippines and Indonesia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed but helps

Care

Dwarf ambulia is one of the most common aquarium stem plants: a fast-growing aquatic perennial with whorls of feathery, bright green leaves about 3 cm across. In the wild it lives in ponds, rice fields and swamps up to 1,900 m. Above water it grows darker, lance-shaped leaves. Tropica notes it was formerly sold simply as "Ambulia". Limnophila are herbs of marshes and shallow water across the tropics and subtropics of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific. Submerged leaves are usually finely divided and in whorls, while leaves above water are simpler. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs. It reaches 15–30 cm in two months and stems can grow to about 40 cm. Plant it in groups in the midground or background; it is a good, less demanding substitute for Cabomba. It gets leggy in poor light, which added CO2 partly offsets, and in good conditions it sends runners across the bottom. Trim often. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. It is established in the wild in Florida, Georgia and Texas. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limnophilasessiliflora); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limnophila(plant)); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by stem fragments, cuttings and runners across the substrate; it can also set seed. Replant top cuttings and side shoots.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fine-leaved stems trap debris and are grazed by goldfish, silver dollars and large cichlids. Shrimp, fry and small tetras and rasboras suit it well; avoid strong flow and heavy diggers.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

About Aquatic-Auctions

  • Aquatic-Auctions (aquatic-auctions.com) is a UK online marketplace for aquarium and pond livestock and equipment: tropical and marine fish, corals, shrimp, snails and other invertebrates, aquatic plants, tanks, filtration, lighting and food.
  • Items are sold by auction, buy it now or classified advert, by hobbyist and business sellers in the UK.
  • Buyers pay sellers directly; Aquatic-Auctions does not hold the money. Hobbyist sellers must offer PayPal and may also take cash on collection. Business sellers take PayPal (required) or cash on collection, and bank transfer only once they have a seller rating of 50 out of 100, a company and pet-selling licence checked by Aquatic-Auctions, a bank account in the company's name, and bank details approved by Aquatic-Auctions.
  • Buyers are told to pay by PayPal Goods & Services, never PayPal Friends and Family, gift cards or crypto.
  • Live fish and other vertebrates must be sent by specialist live-animal couriers (for example APC Overnight or DX Express), never by Royal Mail. Some invertebrates and plants may go by Royal Mail Special Delivery or 1st Class within its rules.
  • Banned and invasive species (for example those on the GB invasive species lists) cannot be listed, and sellers must meet the site’s animal welfare standards.
  • Members must be 16 or over to buy (16 and 17-year-olds with a parent or guardian’s agreement); sellers must be 18 or over.
  • Business sellers show their address, company details and pet-selling licence to buyers. Seller ratings run from 0 to 100: +1 for each positive feedback, −1 for each negative.
  • The site includes a free community species wiki with care guides (water parameters, tank size, diet, temperament, breeding).
  • Aquatic-Auctions is run by Etavonni Tech Limited trading as Aquatic-Auctions (company number 10204188), Aldershot, Hampshire, UK. Contact: info@aquatic-auctions.com.