Ambulia (Limnophila sessiliflora)

Limnophila Sessiliflora is a beginner friendly, fast growing, adaptable plant well-suited to background placement in low tech tanks. Due to the large surface area of its feathery leaves, L. sessiliflora does not need a lot of light nor supplemental CO2. High lighting will promote lateral (horizontal crawling) growth along the substrate whereas low lighting will induce vertical growth toward the surface. This plant grows quickly and may warrant regular trimming depending on your growth conditions and aesthetic preferences. Pruning the tops of vertically growing plants will encourage the development of side shoots resulting in a shorter, bushier growth habit that can be quite stunning. 

 

While Dwarf Ambulia is undemanding and adapts well to nutrient-poor water, it can be a very fast grower especially in tanks with CO2 injection and will thus benefit from some basic fertilization - especially iron. Because it is so undemanding and fast growing, it is a fantastic choice for your first planted aquarium.

 

Limnophila sessiliflora is a great plant for absorbing fish waste, including ammonia and nitrate as well as phosphate. It is an extremely effective water cleaner and natural filter - resulting in much better water quality for fish and invertebrates and can reduce the frequency of water changes compared to an aquarium with only animals and inert decorations.

 

Dwarf Ambulia is used frequently with good results to control the growth of pest algae. While there is some evidence that this species produces chemicals that are toxic to and inhibit the growth of some algal species (allelopathy),  it mostly "steals" the nutrient and other resources that algae needs to thrive. It is even more effective for controlling algae in low-tech tanks when used alongside other fast-growing species such as Hygrophila difformis (Water Wisteria), Bacopa caroliniana, Bacopa monnieri, Staurogyne repens or Taiwan lilly (Nymphoides 'Taiwan'). Ambulia tolerates a wide range of water parameters and can be used in cold-water aquariums with goldfish.

 

Limnophila sessiliflora is a excellent, much hardier alternative to the similar-looking Cabomba caroliniana. 

 

Invasive species details: Because this species is so adaptable, undemanding and tolerant of cooler temperatures, it is known to be an invasive threat in North American waterways such as (but not limited to) the Great Lakes. We are aware of formal restrictions in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota as well as on the Federal level in the United States so this product may be removed (and refunded) from your order without notice. Please check if Limnophila sessiliflora (Asian Ambulia, Dwarf Ambulia) is listed as a noxious pest in your area.

 

While this plant is permitted in Canada, the introduction of any exotic plant to our increasingly imperiled natural habitats is a serious threat to their healthy functioning and biodiversity. Please dispose of cuttings properly and never release this plant in a natural waterway regardless of where you live! 

 

Any cuttings you don't want should be sealed in a plastic bag and placed in your trash. If you live in a vulnerable area you can also dry, freeze, microwave or boil the material to ensure that it is dead before disposing. Many local fish stores will take good quality cuttings for store credit so check with yours. 

 

If you have any questions about how you can help protect our freshwater habitats, feel free to contact us. Aquarists know first-hand how wonderful a healthy freshwater ecosystem is and we can do all we can to educate our selves and others on how we can cherish and steward the ponds, lakes and rivers in our own communities!