LImnophila aromatica

[calivivarium1]

Quick question: My Limnophila aromatica(and my rotala indica, to a lesser extent) has a nice, deep purple color on its leaves that are closest to the light. The older leaves, however, are a mixture of purple and an ugly yellow(no, they aren't dead). Could this be a sign of nitrogen deficiency? I don't have any pics available where I'm at now, but you can check out my biotope journal and maybe see the limnophila there

 

[Bk718]

whats your wattage? L. Aromatica needs medium/high light to get a nice pink/purple color to it. Though it also likes low Nitrate levels, read that it gains more color at these conditions.

 

[jmhart]

As the height of the stem approaches the light, it's gets a deeper color. The lower leaves will indeed be more washed out.

 

[calivivarium1]

27watts over a 40l tank so thats what... .68w per litre? I just took another peek at the tank and about 3/4's of the leaves are a light-deep purple, but the last 1/4(the oldest) are this light pink/ugly yellow. Maybe its just time for a trim? I'm going to take care of that tomorrow, so perhaps we shall see where it goes from there.

As a side note, I am increasing my potassium dosing due to a few holes in the leaves of my wisteria....

JM, so the washed out look is normal then? I have seen some pics of L. aromatica and it appeared that the plant was a med/dark green with purple on top... just different conditions?

 

[Bk718]

Add some mid-ground plants to cover the lower part of the stems

Got photos of your plants?

 

[calivivarium1]

Photo's tomorrow if possible. Hmm... just cover it up eh? Do you think dwarf hairgrass Eleocharis parvus(sp?) would do the tricK?

 

[Bk718]

nope, dwarf hairgrass stays relatively short. Try Blyxa Japonica or E. Tenellus, will create a nice layered look.

 

[Riiz]

Also if you think your having nitrogen deficiencies check your nitrate and phosphate levels. The reason for the phosphate test too, is that when it is lacking it prevents the plants from using nitrates and looks like the same deficiency.