Limnophila hippuridoides (Limnophila hippuridoides) care guide

Group
Plants
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
Asia
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
22–28°C
pH
5.5–7.5
Hardness
2–12 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed but helps colour

Care

Limnophila hippuridoides is an Asian stem plant with green leaves that are red-violet underneath; in ideal conditions whole leaves turn red-violet. Damaged stems and leaves give off a strong scent. 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 medium light, low CO2 needs and a medium growth rate, and describes it as adaptable. Stems reach 20–50 cm tall and 6–10 cm wide. It grows vigorously and sends up new shoots from the base: thin out the oldest, longest stems to make room and replant cuttings, which root quickly. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limnophila(plant)); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

New shoots grow from the base. Remove the oldest, longest stems and replant top cuttings; they root soon after planting.

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.

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