Nomaphila upright or Limonnik

Family Acanthaceae (Acanthaceae). Nomaphila upright or Limonnik - a plant with high ornamental qualities, which makes it very popular. Native to Southeast Asia.

On a long, very strong stem there are paired oval acute light-green leaves, silvery on the underside. Under favorable conditions Nomaphila reaches considerable size and can emerge from the water. Its cultivation requires a large aquarium. It is best placed in the background of the aquarium. It grows in the aquarium year-round.

Nomaphila is suitable for cultivation in a tropical aquarium. The optimal maintenance temperature is 22-28 °C. When the temperature drops, growth slows noticeably and leaf size decreases. This plant can be grown in water of medium hardness with a neutral or slightly alkaline reaction. Total hardness is preferably at least 8°, pH 7-8.5. In soft water the leaves quickly deteriorate, only the top consisting of 2-3 pairs of leaves remains. Weekly water changes of 1/5-1/4 of the volume are required.

Nomaphila requires very strong lighting. With insufficient light the lower leaves quickly disintegrate. Using this property, the aquarist can select the intensity of illumination. As a guideline, the power of fluorescent lamps used to light the aquarium should be about 0.5 W per 1 L of volume. Additional incandescent lamp lighting is very beneficial for Nomaphila. The photoperiod should be at least 12 hours. Natural light improves the plant's growth. Side lighting helps preserve a greater number of older leaves on the stem.

The substrate for Nomaphila must be nutritious and well-mudded. Clay is always added to the new substrate under the roots. The nature of the substrate does not play a significant role, since the plant develops a strong root system. The substrate layer should be at least 5-7 cm thick.

Mineral fertilization does not play a significant role, and it is not necessary to apply it specifically for this plant. It should be borne in mind that Nomaphila is sensitive to an excess of many chemical substances. For example, it tolerates an excess of sodium ions very poorly. Therefore, alkalinizing water with baking soda or adding table salt should be done with great caution.

Nomaphila is propagated in artificial conditions by cuttings, separating the apical shoots from the mother plant. By leaving the root system with part of the stem in the substrate, a new plant with several side shoots can be obtained.

Nomaphila can be kept in a humid greenhouse and paludarium, where it is first placed in a container with a low water level, and after the formation of aerial shoots it is transplanted into a substrate consisting of garden soil, sand and added clay. In the aerial environment Nomaphila grows significantly faster than in water. Its leaves become more textured and rough. A cutting from such a plant can be placed in an aquarium. It easily adapts and continues to grow submerged.