Lindernia rotundifolia

Lindernia rotundifolia is a small amphibious plant from the tropics of Africa, Asia, Central and South America. In its terrestrial stage it grows prostrate and develops nice blue-white flowers, followed by small capsules with many seeds. Under water the stems grow upright with few branches. There is also a selection with whiteish nerves, labeled as Lindernia rotundifolia ‘Variegated’.

As aquarium plant, Lindenia rotundifolia is not demanding, however it should be planted in a well-lit place. It grows relatively fast, and as well as other stem plants it is easily propagated by stem cuttings. It grows vigorously in emersed culture and also propagates by self-seeding.

With its quite small, roundish, freshly green leaves, quite long internodes and thin, upright stems, this Lindernia provides an interesting contrast to plants with different texture and coloration. It looks well as a group in the midground and is also suitable for nano tanks. In emersed setups such as paludaria and Wabi-Kusa, its small but conspicuous flowers are nice blue-white colour spots.