Limnophila sp. Belem Vitro Culture

Long serrated leaves that redden under pressure. Limnophila sp. 'Belem' grows narrow, toothed leaves on compact bushy stems — shorter and denser than most Limnophila, and sharper in texture than the feathery whorls the genus is known for. It stays green in moderate conditions and shifts toward red and purple under strong light with CO₂. This is the sterile Vitro Culture® (tissue culture) format.

What You'll Receive

• One (1) 4-inch bag of Limnophila sp. 'Belem', containing approximately 3–4 stems with healthy foliage.

Plant Profile

• Common name — Belem Limnophila
• Scientific name — Limnophila sp. 'Belem'
• Also known as — Belem Needle Leaf
• Leaf form — Long, narrow and serrated
• Placement — Midground to background
• Shipped size — 4-inch bag, approx. 3–4 stems
• Mature height — 8–16 in
• Suits — 10 gallons and up
• Growth rate — Medium

Care

• Difficulty — Intermediate
• Light — Medium to high. Light intensity is what brings out the red
• CO₂ — Recommended. In practice close to essential for full color
• Water — 68–82°F · pH 6.0–7.5
• Substrate — Not required, though it does noticeably better over a fed base
• Growth habit — Amphibious. Also grows emersed in humid conditions
• Propagation — Cuttings — trim and replant stem tops

Grower's Notes

• Green on arrival is correct. Tissue culture plantlets are grown emersed and come out of the bag plain green. The red and purple develop over several weeks of submerged growth under strong light — judge the plant on its new growth.
• The serrated edge is what sets it apart. Most Limnophila carry fine feathery whorls; 'Belem' has long narrow leaves with a toothed margin, giving a sharper, more defined texture in a group planting.
• Without CO₂ it stays green. It will grow perfectly well, but the color that makes it worth buying needs injection. If you are not running CO₂, pick a plant that colors without it rather than expecting this one to.
• Rinse the gel off and separate the stems before planting, spacing them an inch or two apart. Planted as a clump the lower stems shade out and rot.
• Also available as fresh-cut, bunched or potted stems.

Notes

• Some leaf melt or color loss may occur during shipping and acclimation. With proper light, CO₂, and nutrients, new submerged growth will quickly establish and regain vibrant coloration.
• Never release aquarium plants into natural waterways.

At a glance

• Free shipping on orders of $150 or more (after discounts) within the contiguous United States, by USPS.
• Free thermal protection is included with every shipment, all year round.
• Processing: most orders leave us within 1 to 2 business days. Tracking is emailed when your order ships.
• USPS (2 to 5 business days) ships Monday through Saturday.
• UPS 2nd Day Air® ships Monday through Wednesday. Order by Tuesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• UPS Next Day Air® ships Monday through Thursday. Order by Wednesday at 6:00 AM Pacific Time for same-week delivery.
• Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and military addresses ship by USPS at a flat rate shown at checkout.
• Weather holds: during extreme heat or cold we may hold live orders until it's safe to ship.
• We ship within the United States only.

Please bring live plants indoors and unpack them the day they arrive. Every live order is covered by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee.

The complete rules, including lost packages and address issues, are in our Shipping Policy. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Every live order is backed by our 24-Hour Live Arrival Guarantee. If a plant arrives dead, we'll make it right.

How it works

• Tell us within 24 hours of the delivery time on your tracking.
• Send photos of the affected items in their original, unopened packaging, plus a photo of the shipping label, to hello@aquariumplantsfactory.com with your order number.
• We'll make it right with a replacement, store credit or refund for the affected item.

Good to know

• Some melting or yellowing as plants adjust from greenhouse to aquarium life is normal. They regrow from healthy roots and rhizomes.
• Please bring your package indoors and unpack it the day it arrives.
• Free promotional items and shipping charges are not covered.

The complete rules, including what's covered and what voids the guarantee, are in our Returns, Refunds & Live Arrival Guarantee. If anything conflicts, that policy applies.

Please review your state's regulations on restricted plants, as we are committed to not shipping plants that are restricted in your area. Do not release any plants into the wild or waterways, as this can harm local ecosystems by introducing invasive species.

Your cooperation in protecting the environment is appreciated. For continuously updated information, refer to the USDA State Noxious Weed list here.

Thank you for your responsible commitment to environmental preservation.