TankBud

Limnophila Belem

Limnophila sp. 'Belem'

Also known as Limnophila sp. Belem

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Limnophila Belem (Limnophila sp. 'Belem')
Aquarium Plants Factory · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Light
High light
CO2
CO₂ beneficial
Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
Max height
11.8 in
30 cm
Growth rate
Fast
Placement
Background
Type
Stem
pH
6.0–7.5
Hardness
2–10 dGH
Spread
2.4 in (6 cm)
Nutrient uptake
Root + water column
Growth region
Submersed or emersed
Difficulty
Medium
Family
Plantaginaceae
Origin
Unresolved; the trade name points to Belem, Brazil, but the genus is native to the Old World

Overview

Limnophila Belem is a fast-growing midground to background stem for tanks with real light. It rates medium in difficulty.

Did you know

Limnophila Belem is named for Belem in the Brazilian Amazon, yet every known Limnophila is native to the Old World. Either the name preserves a collection mystery or the plant is not what the label says. Nobody has settled which.

Caring for Limnophila Belem

Strip the lower leaves of Limnophila Belem and plant the stems one at a time, a little apart. It wants high light, and in a modest setup it only survives as a plain green plant.

The pink and purple tips only come with high light, CO2 and iron-rich micro dosing. It grows without injected CO2, but more slowly. It feeds through roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer cover both. It does well at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and pH 6 to 7.5.

Growth is quick when the plant is supported, and it branches densely after trimming. Top the stems and replant the tops to build a colored thicket. Keep the parameters stable, since sudden swings show up as melt on the lower stem.

Good to know

Limnophila Belem is an unidentified Limnophila in the family Plantaginaceae, known in the hobby only by its trade name. Unlike the feathery, whorled Limnophila most keepers know, it carries narrow paired leaves with finely serrated margins. Under strong light the growing tips flush deep pink to purple, which is the plant's main draw.

In the wild

Limnophila Belem has no published collection record, so its origin has to be treated as unresolved. Some shops list a South American origin, while other retailers state Asia.

Common questions

Does Limnophila Belem need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does Limnophila Belem need CO2?

No, but it helps. Limnophila Belem can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does Limnophila Belem need?

Limnophila Belem needs high light from a strong planted-tank LED. In weaker light its stems stretch and drop their lower leaves.

Does Limnophila Belem need root tabs?

They help. Limnophila Belem takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate Limnophila Belem?

Limnophila Belem propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.

How tall does Limnophila Belem grow?

Limnophila Belem grows to about 11.8 in (30 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.

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