Common Name(s) - Dwarf ambulia, Asian ambulia, Asian marshweed

Scientific name - Limnophila sessiliflora

Family - Scrophulariaceae

Geographic origin- India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka

Type (stem, bulb, rhizome, floating, etc.) - Stem

Max. size (height, width) - 30-50cm long, with fine, feathery, branched leaves arranged in whirls around the stem. The stem width is about 3-4 cm wide.

Lighting required - medium-very bright

Temperature - 22-28 degrees C

Water chemistry requirements (pH, hardness) - Adaptable to various conditions, including harder water. I grow mine with a pH of 6.8 and a slightly hard gH.

Growth rates - Very fast.

Demands - Prefers an iron-rich substrate or at least iron dosing. Also thrives with CO2 injection and brighter light.

Additional info - L. sessiliflora is an excellent alternative to some of the more light-demanding cabomba species. It will grow without CO2 injection or fertilization, but the growth will be more compact. With adaquate light (2WPG +), EI fertilization, and CO2 injection, L. sessiliflora grows like a weed! In fact, this is another plant that is often listed in US noxious weed lists, so take care to make sure any cuttings are properly disposed of. When the plant reaches the surface, it will grow horizontally along the water's surface, producing many side shoots. In addition, when it grows above the water line, it will produce flowers. It propogates from cuttings, side shoots, and runners. In well-lit tanks, L. sessiliflora is an excellent background plant. When grown in lower light conditions, it is more managable and able to be used as a mid-ground plant. Note: when lighting is adequate, the top portions of L. sessiliflora will acquire a pinkish tinge, forming a nice contrast with greener neighbors. A very pretty plant, well-suited for the beginner.