Lindernia rotundifolia (Lindernia rotundifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Round-leaf false pimpernel
Family
Linderniaceae (false pimpernel family)
Origin
Asia, on sandy stream banks
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
2–15 dGH
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; moderate CO2 (6–14 mg/L) helps

Care

Lindernia rotundifolia is the best-known aquarium Lindernia, sold for aquariums and aquascaping. In the wild it grows on sandy stream banks in Asia. Lindernia (false pimpernels) are small herbs of wet places in warm regions of both hemispheres. The genus has been split by botanists in recent years, and some species have been moved to Bonnaya, Torenia, Vandellia and other genera. Tropica rates it easy and a good starter plant: low light and medium CO2 needs, reaching 15–30 cm in two months. It quickly forms compact groups and may need regular pruning. Use it in the background or as a single clump in the midground. Tropica also sells 'Variegated', with marbled leaves; cut off any all-green shoots to keep the pattern. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindernia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take top cuttings and replant them; trimmed stems branch and the group soon fills in.

Compatibility and tank mates

Goldfish, large cichlids, silver dollars and other plant-eating fish will graze soft stems, and diggers can uproot new cuttings. Most small community fish, shrimp and snails leave it alone, and shrimp and fry use the foliage for cover.

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

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