Tici In Vitro Aquatic Plant - Limnophila Hippuridoides ' purple' mini Tici – Limnophila hippuridoides ‘Purple Mini’ is a compact variant of the species Limnophila hippuridoides. It is valued in...
Tici – Limnophila hippuridoides ‘Purple Mini’ is a compact variant of the species Limnophila hippuridoides. It is valued in aquascaping for its shorter growth, dense bush structure, and deep purple coloration.
Compared to the normal species, this version stays smaller and tighter, making it suitable for midground planting and nano aquariums.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Limnophila hippuridoides ‘Purple Mini’ |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Origin | Southeast Asia cultivar |
| Plant type | Stem plant |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Placement | Midground / background |
This plant is commonly grown in high-tech planted tanks because it responds strongly to CO₂ and strong lighting.
Main identifying features
Shorter, compact stems
Whorled needle-like leaves
Purple to magenta coloration
Dense bush-like growth
Typical aquarium size:
| Feature | Size |
|---|---|
| Height | 10–25 cm |
| Spread | 5–10 cm |
| Leaf width | ~1 mm |
Color variation:
| Conditions | Color |
|---|---|
| Low light | Green with purple tint |
| Medium light | Pinkish purple |
| High light | Deep purple / magenta |
The compact growth is the key difference from the normal species.
Good lighting is important for coloration.
Recommended intensity:
40–80 PAR
Lighting effects:
| Light level | Result |
|---|---|
| Low | Taller stems, green leaves |
| Medium | Purple tips |
| High | Deep purple compact bush |
High light helps maintain short, dense growth.
CO₂ injection is strongly recommended.
| Without CO₂ | With CO₂ |
|---|---|
| Slower growth | Faster growth |
| Pale colors | Rich purple |
| Taller stems | Compact bush |
Ideal level:
20–30 ppm stable CO₂
Balanced nutrients keep the plant colorful and healthy.
Important nutrients:
| Nutrient | Role |
|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | Improves purple color |
| Nitrate (NO3) | Supports growth |
| Phosphate (PO4) | Prevents stunting |
| Potassium (K) | Leaf strength |
Moderate nitrate levels generally help maintain good growth and color.
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22–28 °C |
| pH | 5.5–7.2 |
| GH | 2–10 dGH |
| KH | 0–5 |
Soft to moderately hard water works well.
Regular trimming keeps it compact and dense.
Typical trimming process:
Allow stems to grow 15–20 cm
Trim the tops
Replant trimmed sections
Remove old bases if needed
Frequent trimming produces rounded purple bushes.
Propagation is easy via stem cuttings.
Steps:
Cut healthy top stems
Remove bottom leaves
Plant in substrate
Roots develop in 5–7 days
The plant quickly forms new side shoots.
Best uses:
Midground purple accent
Nano aquarium highlight plant
Dense color bushes
Dutch-style aquascapes
Often combined with plants like:
Rotala rotundifolia
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Ludwigia palustris
This creates strong green–purple contrast in aquascapes.
Cause:
Low light
Lack of micronutrients
Fix:
Increase light
Dose iron
Cause:
Weak lighting
Solution:
Increase PAR
Trim frequently
Cause:
CO₂ fluctuations
Nutrient deficiency
Solution:
Stable CO₂
Balanced fertilization
✔ Compact purple stem plant
✔ Perfect for midground placement
✔ Dense bushy growth with trimming
✔ Excellent color contrast in planted tanks
Because it stays smaller than the regular species, it’s very popular in nano aquascapes and detailed layouts.