Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc]

Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc] is another name for Limnophila sp. “Kalimantan Mini” [Tc] is another name for Limnophila repens. Despite being known in Europe for more than a decade, this lovely dwarf form of Limnophila aromatica is still uncommon in the aquarium hobby and scarce in trade. It has two to three, sometimes more, leaves per node that are 1 to 2.5 cm long and have light green to brown-red tones when submerged. Under water, the stomata on the leaves appear as tiny silvery spots. The midribs and stems of the leaves remain light green, providing a nice contrast to the leaf surface. However, under favourable conditions – lots of light, CO2, and nutrients – this Limnophila can develop 3-5 cm long and 4-5 mm wide leaves, up to 6 per whorl. The plant can grow to be more than 30 cm tall, but it looks best in groups of 10 to 20 cm high. With intense lighting, CO2 addition, complete macro- and micronutrient supply, and rather soft water, Limnophila aromatica ‘Mini’ looks the best. The ideal temperature range is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. When the light is only moderate, the leaves remain light green. This Limnophila, like other stem plants, can be propagated through cuttings. The Mini Limnophila is a small stem plant with brown-red and light green tones that stands out in the foreground to midground. It deserves more attention in aquascaping and works well in Dutch-style aquariums.

Limnophila sp. “Mini” was the original name for this small stem plant, which is also known as L. sp. “Kalimantan Mini.” It was taken for the species Limnophila repens, but its flower characteristics match those of Limnophila aromatica, according to Kasselmann (2010). As a result, it is a dwarf form of L. aromatica. We don’t have any reliable information about its origin, but the trade name “Kalimantan Mini” suggests that it was most likely discovered in Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo island. There is also another small Limnophila form known as L. aromatica “Mini,” but that plant resembles Limnophila hippuridoides and is tentatively named Limnophila cf. hippuridoides “Mini” by us.

Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc] remains significantly smaller than other common forms of Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc]. The underwater leaves have a serrated edge and are usually only 1 to 2.5 cm long. They are usually arranged in pairs (opposite) or in whorls of three leaves. However, under intense lighting and ample CO2 and nutrient supply, this dwarf Limnophila grew to 3-5 cm long, 4-5 mm wide leaves, up to six per whorl, at Aquasabi. Die shoots can grow to be more than 30 cm tall, but the plant looks best when shaped into groups of 10 to 20 cm. With intense lighting, the submerged leaves are beautifully brown-red. The midribs and stems of the leaves are frequently light green, contrasting with the leaf surface. The leaves appear light green in moderate lighting. Under water, the stomata on the leaves appear as tiny silvery spots. The emersed leaves are coarser and greener than the underwater leaves.

Important Success Factors of Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc]

adequate lighting (medium onwards)
Avoid using water with extreme parameters.
Fundamental fertilisation

How to Make It More Red

a brighter light (higher PAR values)
Increased red/blue light spectrum
The topside of the leaves become significantly redder when nitrate levels are low.
Choose the redder varietal.

Trimming Techniques of Limnophila aromatica “Mini” [Tc]

Cut the stem at a node a few inches below the final height you want the plant to reach. To create a nice slope, make the cutting height shorter in the front and taller in the back. Cut off outlier shoots that do not match the cluster’s slope as new shoots appear on the cut stem base. This will result in neat plant clusters over time.