© Vinayaraj / CC BY-SA 3.0Rice paddy herb
Limnophila aromatica, known in Japan as "Shisokusa," is a stem plant with wild relatives native to Japanese wetlands. Crush a leaf and you'll notice a fresh, citrus-like scent — one of its most distinctive traits. Underwater, it grows two to three leaves per node along an upright stem, with some forms staying mostly green and others taking on reddish tones, adding movement to the mid or background of a layout. As a perennial, it can be kept going for a long time simply by trimming and replanting the cuttings. It asks for a bit more attention than beginner plants, but rewards the effort with steady growth.
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Apply as a growerRice paddy herb key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Perennial; maintained by replanting cuttings
- Size
- Stem plant that grows to the surface
- Temperature
- 22〜27℃
- Watering
- Needs CO2 plus liquid and substrate fertiliser
- Lighting
- Needs strong light.
- CO2 & Fertilizer
- CO2 is needed; dose nitrate, phosphate and trace elements generously and feed the substrate too.
- Water Temperature & Quality
- Optimum 22–27°C at pH 6–7.5 and KH 2–12°dKH.
- Substrate & Attachment
- Plant in a nutrient-rich substrate in the mid- or background.
- Trimming & Propagation
- Propagate by replanting tops. Emersed, it grows and flowers in rich wet soil under strong light.
- Cautions
- A different species with more leaves per whorl is often sold as 'aromatica', so check leaves per node. Never release plants into the wild.
About Rice paddy herb
Limnophila aromatica (Rice paddy herb), a stem plant known for its citrus-scented leaves. An overview of this intermediate-level, perennial aquarium plant that thrives with regular trimming and replanting.
7 things to know before growing Rice paddy herb
1Prioritize Good Light
Position it where it gets plenty of light to keep the stems compact rather than stretched and thin. Being shaded by taller plants tends to cause leggy growth, so choose a spot with good light penetration.
2Needs CO2 and Ample Fertilizer
Considered an intermediate-level plant, Limnophila aromatica needs CO2 injection on top of strong light. Keep nitrate, phosphate and trace elements well supplied, and add nutrients to the substrate as well. Sudden changes in water conditions can cause leaves to drop, so make water changes gradually.
3Use a Nutrient-Rich Substrate
Since this plant absorbs nutrients through its roots, a nutrient-rich substrate helps it root in well. Freshly planted stems can be easy to pull loose before the roots establish, so push them firmly into the substrate.
4Replant Cuttings as It Grows
As a perennial, once the stem reaches the water surface you can cut the top and replant it to refresh the plant. Repeating this keeps it looking healthy over the long term.
5Trim on a Regular Schedule
Since it grows as a stem plant reaching all the way to the water surface, trimming it regularly before it gets too tall helps keep the overall layout balanced. The cut tops can be reused for replanting.
6Growth Shifts With the Seasons
Growth can slow down during periods of lower light or cooler water temperature. Keeping light intensity and duration consistent throughout the year helps maintain a stable form.
7Check the Leaf Arrangement
True Limnophila aromatica has two to three leaves per node, but a different, deep-red, denser-leaved plant is sometimes sold under the same name. When choosing a plant, it helps to check the number of leaves per node and the overall leaf color.
Frequently asked questions about Rice paddy herb
- Q.Is this the same plant as "Shisokusa"?
- A.Yes, Limnophila aromatica is known in Japan as "Shisokusa" and has wild relatives native to Japan. A distinctive trait is the citrus-like scent released when a leaf is crushed.
- Q.Can beginners grow this plant?
- A.It's considered suitable for intermediate growers rather than beginners. It's best attempted once you're comfortable with the basics of aquatic plant care, such as CO2 supplementation and lighting.
- Q.What should I check before buying one?
- A.A different, deep-red, denser-leaved plant is sometimes sold under the same name, so it helps to check for the true traits — two to three leaves per node and the characteristic scent.
- Q.Is there a difference between green and reddish plants?
- A.Depending on lighting and growing conditions, the same variety can appear mostly green or take on reddish tones. Either way, it remains a stem plant that grows up toward the water surface.
- Q.What's the key to keeping it going long-term?
- A.Since it's a perennial, repeatedly cutting and replanting the stems lets you keep it going for a long time. Regular trimming also helps keep the plant healthy.
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