Limnophila aromatica

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Limnophila aromatica is rarely referred to by any common names within the aquarium hobby but is sometimes known as the "Rice Patty Herb" in other fields and trade. It is often found in flooded rice patties in Asia and is used as an herb in Thai cuisine. It can be stunningly colored with long green leaves that develop bright pinkish-purple tips, particularly at the tops of the stalks. It can be difficult to maintain and needs high light and supplements of CO2, iron and other nutrients.

In the wild, this plant is not a true submerged plant and is only underwater when the patties are flooded. The remainder of the season it grows in wet, boggy environments but is exposed to the air. As such, it can deteriorate over time in the aquarium and has both emerged and submerged leaf shapes.

Bunched plants are typically sold as cuttings that are bound together with a metal plant weight or rubber bands. These individual stalks can be planted by inserting the end of the stalk into the substrate, either individually or - with some plants - in groupings of several stalks. Most bunch plants do not have roots but may grow roots in time. They can be easily pruned by trimming the stalk at the desired height. The trimmings can then be planted as well if desired. Some bunched plants do not need to be planted and may be allowed to float on the water's surface.

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