Limnophila sessiliflora – ambulia

Limnophylla sessiliflora (family Scrophulariaceae) used to be called Ambulia. It is also known as dwarf ambulia and Asian marshweed – it is a flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae.

This plant is highly appreciated in the aquarium for its size, its intense green color, its great resistance to different conditions and how easy it is to keep it in the aquarium. It has fine Cabomba like leaves which do very well in the aquarium. From its erect stem, several internodes emerge, located about a centimeter between each one, from these the plant branches with lateral stems, from which the leaves appear, which adopt a position similar to that of a palm tree. The leaves appear to be arranged like tree tops, overlapping each other and coming together more, as the lighting is more intense.

Limnophila sessiliflora prefers soft and acidic water , although it will also thrive in moderately hard water.
As for the pH of the water, it must be between 6.0 and 8.5, with a temperature between 22ºC and 30ºC.
We obtain the best results, with temperatures between 24ºC and 27ºC, below or above these limits, growth is slower, which does not have to be bad, since at optimal times it can grow up to 5 cm-week.
It does not like temperatures below 20ºC or above 30ºC, these can cause the plant to die.

This plant propagates very easily and the tips that are cut off to control its fast growth can be planted straight into the substrate. It is a good choice for a new aquarium. Due to it’s fast growth, it helps to control high phosphate and nitrate levels.

This plant looks best when it is planted at the back because it grows so fast and tall.

Stems grow fast (up to 40 cm tall) and become 3-4 cm wide. The plant often grows leggy in poor light, but this can be counteracted to some extent by stimulating growth with CO2 addition. If the lighting is more intense, the growth is denser and tighter, while with a weaker lighting the plant becomes more ungainly and its vegetation becomes less dense. Most beautiful when planted in groups. In good growing conditions it sends out runners and spreads across the bottom.

Substrate and Compost:
The substrate on which the Ambulia rests must be composed of fine gravel, which will facilitate its rooting. This aquarium background must be accompanied by clay and be rich in mineral nutrients, to avoid frequent fertilization.
The plant takes nutrients from both its roots and its leaves. It is recommended to add special liquid fertilizer for aquarium plants once a week and once a month add compost tablets that are buried next to the roots.
Propogation:
The simple way is to take a cutting, cutting about four inches from the top of the plant. Remove the leaves that remain in the lower part, so as not to bury them, then put the cutting in the substrate at the bottom of the aquarium. Be careful to separate the new cuttings, far enough away from the original plant, so that they do not stick excessively and do not compete for nutrients.
In a few days, the new sapling will begin to create its own root system and a new plant will develop, just as lush as the previous one.

Tips:
Although it is very easy to multiply and its growth is very strong, it is not convenient to use it in an aquarium with herbivorous fish, because in its growth it is a fragile plant that can break easily.
It is recommended to use in an aquarium with Guppies and Platys .
It is a relatively easy plant to grow and maintain, suitable for any beginning hobbyist. Its acclimatization is fast and it grows very well.

Plant info:
Type: Stem
Place of Origin: Asia
Maximum Height: 40 – 50 cm ( average height after 2 months in tank: 15 – 30 cm)
Growth Rate:
Lighting: medium to high illumination (between 0.7 to 1.5 watts per liter of water).
Position Range: Back
Substrate: Fine Gravel
Temperature: Between 22ºC and 30ºC
pH: Between 6.0 and 8.5
Hardness: Soft but tolerates moderately hard water.
Propogation: Cut tips can be planted directly into the substrate.
Difficulty level: Low