Giant ambulia

Limnophila aquatica

Also known as Ambulia, Water ambulia

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Giant ambulia (Limnophila aquatica) — Jerzy Opioła · CC BY-SA 4.0

Care at a glance

Light: High light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Growth rate: Fast
Placement: Background
Type: Stem
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 4–15 dGH
Max height: 19.7 in (50 cm)
Spread: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Medium
Origin: Native to marshes, ponds, and rice paddies in India and Sri Lanka.
Family: Plantaginaceae

Overview

Giant ambulia grows fast under medium to high light and rewards CO2 with dense, feathery growth. Plant it in the background in a nutrient-rich substrate and give it room to send out side shoots. Trim the tops as they near the surface and replant them to keep the stand bushy.

In the wild

Giant ambulia produces tall stems ringed with whorls of finely divided, feathery bright green leaves. It grows in ponds, marshes, and paddies where it forms thick underwater bushes. Under good light it sends out many side shoots and quickly fills the back of a tank.

Good to know

Limnophila aquatica belongs to the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, having been moved from the older figwort family, Scrophulariaceae. Its whorled, finely divided underwater leaves are an adaptation to submerged life. Above water it grows firmer, undivided leaves and lilac flowers.