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Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated is an attractive freshwater stem plant prized for its small, rounded leaves featuring beautiful green and creamy-white marbled patterns. Its distinctive variegated foliage adds colour, texture and contrast to planted aquariums, making it an excellent choice for aquascaping.
Native forms of Lindernia rotundifolia are associated with aquatic environments in tropical regions. The variegated form is a cultivated ornamental variety developed for its distinctive leaf markings.
This versatile plant grows upright and produces multiple side shoots, gradually forming attractive, bushy groups. Its compact leaves create an interesting contrast against fine-leaved carpeting plants and larger aquatic foliage.
Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated is suitable for midground and background placement, depending on aquarium size and pruning preferences. It is particularly attractive in smaller aquariums, where its unusual foliage can become a standout feature.
This is a relatively easy plant to grow and can adapt to a range of aquarium conditions. Moderate lighting encourages healthy, compact growth, while additional CO2 supplementation can improve growth and overall plant density. Regular liquid fertilisation will also help maintain healthy foliage.
One interesting characteristic of this variety is that some new shoots may develop entirely green leaves rather than retaining the variegated pattern. These shoots can be trimmed away to help maintain the plant's distinctive appearance.
Propagation is straightforward through stem cuttings. Simply trim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate, where they can develop roots and establish new growth.
Quick Care Guide
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Care Information
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Details
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Scientific Name
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Lindernia rotundifolia 'Variegated'
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Family
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Linderniaceae
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Origin
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Asian aquarium cultivar; species distribution is broader
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Plant Type
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Stem plant
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Care Level
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Easy
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Growth Rate
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Fast
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Expected Height
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15–30+ cm
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Placement
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Midground to background
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Lighting
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Low to medium; medium preferred
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Temperature
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22–26°C
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pH
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5.0–8.0
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CO2
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Optional; beneficial
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Propagation
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Stem cuttings
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Aquarium Type
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Freshwater planted aquarium
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Growth Form
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Upright, branching stems
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated require CO2?
No. It can grow without injected CO2, making it suitable for low-tech planted aquariums. CO2 supplementation can encourage faster and denser growth.
2. How tall does this plant grow?
It generally reaches around 15–30 cm or more, depending on lighting, nutrients and growing conditions.
3. Where should I plant Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated?
It is best suited to the midground or background. In smaller aquariums, regular trimming can keep it compact.
4. Why are some leaves completely green?
Some shoots naturally revert to producing green foliage without the distinctive variegated markings. Remove these shoots if you want to maintain the marbled appearance.
5. How do you propagate Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated?
Trim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate. They will develop roots and grow into new plants.
6. Is Lindernia Rotundifolia Variegated suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is relatively undemanding, grows quickly and adapts to a range of freshwater aquarium conditions.
Common Mistakes
1. Insufficient lighting: Very low lighting can result in weaker, less compact growth. Moderate lighting is recommended.
2. Allowing green shoots to dominate: Remove reverted green stems if you want to preserve the variegated appearance.
3. Neglecting pruning: Fast-growing stems can become leggy and overcrowded without regular trimming.
4. Poor nutrient availability: Inadequate nutrients can lead to weak growth and deteriorating foliage.
5. Planting too closely: Allow sufficient room between stems for light and water circulation.
6. Expecting identical growth immediately: Plants transitioning from emersed to submerged growth may experience changes in leaf shape and appearance while adapting.