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Here’s all about Limnophila aromatica 'Purple' — a striking stem plant highly valued in aquascaping for its vibrant purple hues, aromatic nature, and versatile growth under submerged and emersed conditions.


🌿 Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Limnophila aromatica (Purple variant)

  • Family: Plantaginaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

  • Common Names:

    • Limnophila aromatica purple

    • Vietnamese Limnophila

    • Purple Fragrant Limnophila

  • Origin: Southeast Asia (mainly Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia)

  • Culinary Use (emersed): Used in Vietnamese cuisine (as "Ngò om")


🌱 Appearance

  • Leaf Shape: Narrow, lanceolate or needle-like depending on growth

  • Leaf Color:

    • Under high light & CO₂: Vibrant purple, pink, reddish tips

    • Under moderate light: Green with hints of red

  • Stem: Reddish or pink

  • Growth Style: Upright, bushy with frequent trimming

  • Height: 20–50 cm (8–20 inches)

  • Width: ~4–8 cm per stem (can be bushy)


💧 Aquarium Requirements

Parameter Optimal Range
Temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH 5.5–7.2 (slightly acidic preferred)
Hardness Soft to moderately hard (2–10 dGH)
Lighting High light needed for deep purple
CO₂ Essential (20–30 ppm)
Substrate Nutrient-rich soil or aquasoil

🌾 Growth & Propagation

  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (with CO₂ and nutrients)

  • Propagation:

    • Cut healthy top portions and replant

    • Side shoots can be trimmed and replanted too

  • Trimming: Encourages dense, compact bushes

  • Spacing: 2–3 cm between stems for even spread


🌟 Aquascaping Use

  • Used in Dutch-style layouts or color-layered nature tanks

  • Perfect for background or midground contrast

  • Offers a rare purple coloration few aquatic plants provide

  • Combines well with:

    • Rotala wallichii

    • Ludwigia super red

    • Pogostemon erectus

    • Hemianthus micranthemoides


🧠 Care Tips

  • Requires consistent light, CO₂, and nutrients

  • Dose iron-rich micronutrients for vibrant colors

  • Trim tops weekly for bushier growth

  • Ensure good flow to avoid algae buildup on delicate leaves

  • Best colors appear in tanks with stable CO₂ and high PAR


⚠️ Common Issues

Symptom Cause
Green leaves with no purple Low light or CO₂
Stunted or curled tips Micronutrient (iron, manganese) deficiency
Leggy, tall stems Infrequent trimming or low light
Algae-covered stems Poor flow or excessive light with no CO₂

🐠 Compatibility

  • Safe with:

    • All community fish

    • Shrimp and snails

  • Not eaten by most fish due to its aromatic taste

  • Provides shade and hiding for fry and invertebrates


📌 Quick Summary

Feature Description
Color Green to deep purple (depending on care)
Lighting High light required
CO₂ Necessary for coloration
Growth Style Upright, bushy stem
Tank Placement Midground to background
Difficulty Moderate to advanced

Why Choose Limnophila aromatica ‘Purple’?

  • Exotic purple tones rare in aquatic plants

  • High-impact color contrast in planted tanks

  • Moderate care level (not too demanding with proper setup)

  • Adds a scented, culinary-emersed appeal in open-top tanks



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