La ambulance (Limnophila sessiliflora) is one of the most appreciated and used plants in modern aquaristics, both by beginners and experts, thanks to its unmistakable leafy appearance and its ease of adaptation. This species, native mainly to Southeast Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand, has conquered the world's aquariums for its vigorous growth, its resistance and its great ornamental and functional value. Join us to discover all the Care needed to keep Ambulia in your aquarium and optimize its development.
Botanical characteristics and morphology of Ambulia
La ambulance belongs to the genus Limnophila, composed of more than 90 species of flowering plants, many of them adapted to aquatic life. It presents thin, branched, upright stems which can reach heights of 40 to 60 cm in an aquarium, and even up to 100 cm in exceptional conditions. The thickness of their stems usually ranges between 3 and 5 mm and is divided into numerous nodes, separated by approximately 1 cm. From each of these nodes emerge thin, long, lanceolate leaves, a vibrant emerald green color, arranged in whorls reminiscent of palm trees.
Its leaves, with a well-defined central vein, have serrated edges and a soft, flexible texture. This arrangement generates dense foliage capable of providing shelter and shade to fish and invertebrates, making it a key element for the biotope.
The roots of the Ambulia are thin, white, and delicate, developing at the base of the stem and even at the upper nodes if the plant detects the possibility of obtaining nutrients. This characteristic allows it to form new plants from cuttings.
Under optimal conditions, the Ambulia maintains a bright green color This can be enhanced with adequate lighting and sufficient iron and micronutrients in the substrate. Although it can grow to over a meter in height in the wild, it is usually kept between 30 and 60 cm in an aquarium, depending on pruning and available space.
- Rapid growth: up to 2-5 cm per week under ideal conditions.
- Bushy appearance: ideal for backgrounds and rear areas of the aquarium.
- Very fine and adaptable roots: They spread well in both nutrient substrate and gravel.
Difficulty and adaptability: suitable for all levels
Ambulia is considered one of the easiest plants to maintain in the aquarium, making it perfect for aquarists of all levels, including those new to the world of aquaristics. This is due to its remarkable resistance to different ranges of water parameters and its tolerance to moderate variations in lighting and nutrients.
- Adaptable to different substrates, from inert gravel to clay or peat rich substrates.
- It can grow both submerged and emerged., although in an aquarium it is grown completely underwater.
The plant can survive without advanced CO systems2 or fertilization, but the addition of CO2 and liquid fertilizers will make it grow more compact, dense, and with more vibrant colors. A well-fertilized environment with plenty of light will result in more dense foliage, while in low-light aquariums, growth may be somewhat more spaced out.
Water requirements and optimal parameters
- Temperature: 20-30°C, growing optimally between 22 and 27°C. Can tolerate small diurnal fluctuations without damage.
- pH: It supports wide ranges, from 6.0 to 8.5, with values between 6.5 and 7.5 being ideal.
- Hardness (GH): It develops in soft (5 GH) to moderately hard (30 GH) water, although the optimum is between 5 and 12 GH.
- Carbonate hardness (KH): It is advisable to keep it between 2 and 7.
- Nutrients: It requires nitrates, phosphates, potassium and micronutrients such as iron for healthy growth.
The maintenance of a stable water quality It is essential, as well as performing periodic water changes to prevent the accumulation of harmful compounds and maintain nutrient balance.
Ideal lighting for the Ambulia
Ambulia tolerates a wide variety of light intensities, although its optimal exposure is between 0,7 and 1,5 watts per liter of water, or between 30 and 60 lumens per liter when using LED lamps specifically designed for planted aquariums. A full-spectrum white light promotes photosynthesis and highlights the plant's characteristic bright green.
- Less lighting: Slower growth, elongated stems and wide internodes.
- Optimal lighting: Compact development, dense leaves and intense color.
- Light oversaturation: It may yellow and deteriorate if exposed to excessive light.
A daily photoperiod of 7-10 hours is recommended. If you only have low light, Ambulia will continue to grow, but it will require less frequent pruning and will appear less dense.
Substrate and subscriber
To promote root growth and healthy color of the Ambulia, it is advisable to use nutrient-enriched substrate and medium-grained soil, which allows for aeration and prevents compaction, given the fragility of its roots. Commercial substrates for planted aquariums, with a mixture of clay, peat, and nutrients, are ideal.
- Weekly liquid fertilizer: Essential for replenishing nutrients consumed by rapid growth.
- Monthly fertilizer tablets: Buried near the stem, they promote root growth.
- Presence of iron: Enhances the emerald color and intensifies the greenness.
Ambulia absorbs nutrients through both roots and leaves, so a balance between water and substrate is key to avoiding deficiencies or excesses.
CO2 and oxygenation
La Ambulia can grow without CO addition2 gaseous but with the additional contribution of CO2 (using injection systems or liquid products such as Easy Carbo or Flourish Excel) achieves much faster and more vigorous growth, as well as greater foliage compactness. This practice is especially recommended in densely planted aquariums or when intensive development is desired.
In addition, the photosynthesis process of Ambulia increases the level of dissolved oxygen in the water, benefiting fish, shrimp, and other aquatic organisms. Its rapid, lush growth helps stabilize the aquatic ecosystem.
Pruning and regular maintenance
Given the accelerated growth of Ambulia, it is necessary to perform periodic pruning every 2-4 weeks, depending on the growth rate and size of your tank. Pruning should be done above a node or side branch, using curved or straight shears.
- Regular pruning stimulates lateral growth and keeps the plant bushier.
- Pruned upper stems can be replanted as cuttings, which will root in a few days.
- When removing tall stems, prevents Ambulia from excessively shading other plants or itself.
- Keep the base free of dead leaves improves water circulation and prevents debris buildup.
Excessive height or density can prevent light from reaching lower plants, so controlling volume through pruning is essential to maintaining the balance of the aquarium ecosystem.
Location in the aquarium and landscape combinations
La The best location for Ambulia is the back or sides of the aquarium., where its vertical growth provides a spectacular green backdrop and conceals pipes, cables, and filters. It can also be used in intermediate areas to create density or as a transition between rocks and trunks.
- Make sure to leave enough space for light to reach other shorter plants.
- Place medium-sized plants in front, such as Echinodorus, Cryptocorynes o Hygrophilas, to hide the base if it loses lower leaves.
The Ambulia creates natural hiding places for fish and reduces stress for shy species. Its gentle movement with the current also adds fluidity to the aquatic landscape.
Compatibility and cohabitation with fish and other plants
La Ambulia is compatible with most de peces aquarium, especially in tropical and Amazonian communities. However, It is not advisable to keep it with large herbivorous fish., such as certain cichlids, goldfish or plecos, as they can damage their delicate stems and leaves.
- Perfect for aquariums of guppies, platies, neons, tetras, gouramis and shrimps.
- It combines very well with ground cover plants, rosettes (such as Cryptocoryne y Anubias), and other stems like Hygrophila o Rotala.
Its use in outdoor ponds is also possible in temperate climates, as long as the temperature does not drop below 20°C. It tolerates direct sunlight and diurnal fluctuations well in ponds.
Reproduction of the Ambulia
La spread of Ambulia It is extremely simple and efficient:
- By cuttings: Simply cut a stem about 10 cm from the tip, remove the lower leaves, and replant it in the substrate. In a few days, it will produce roots and grow into a new plant.
- By seeds: It is less common and requires the plant to rise above the water to flower and bear fruit, producing seeds that can be planted at the beginning of summer.
This rapid method facilitates the expansion of Ambulia and the renewal of specimens when the original base ages.
Commercial presentation: in vitro, in blister and in pot
Ambulia is usually found in stores in different formats:
- Blister: Protects the plant in a preserved atmosphere, ensuring freshness, absence of pests, and good condition during transport.
- Flowerpot: Ideal for transplanting and keeping the plant intact until it is finally placed.
- In vitro culture: Perfect for aquariums free of snails, algae, and disease, especially in delicate setups or professional aquascaping.
Before planting, inspect the Ambulia for signs of deterioration or dehydration and remove damaged leaves.
Recommended amount for your aquarium
La number of mats or blisters The Ambulia you will need depends on the size of the aquarium, the desired density and the landscape layout:
- Each blister usually contains 4-5 stems, enough to cover about 20x20 cm on the back.
- For small tanks, 1-2 blisters will be enough to create a dense clump at the back.
- In large aquariums, scale your purchase based on the area and the lushness you want to achieve. It's best to start with a few extra stems to fill in gaps as they grow.
Frequent problems and solutions
Ambulia may present some typical problems depending on the care:
- Discoloration or yellowing: For iron or macronutrient deficiencies, the solution is applied by applying liquid fertilizer rich in micronutrients.
- Lower leaves falling off: This happens if light doesn't reach the base, especially in dense plantings or those with excessively tall growth. Correct this by pruning and placing intermediate plants in front.
- Stem decomposition: Caused by excessive compaction of the substrate or root rot. Use aerated substrates and perform regular water changes.
Ambulia vs other similar plants: Cabomba and Foxtail
Ambulia is often compared to other popular stem plants such as Cabomba (Carolinian cabomba) or the Fox Tail (Ceratophyllum demersum):
- Cabomba: Very similar in appearance, but requires more lighting and is less tolerant of parameter variations. The Ambulia is more adaptable and much easier to maintain.
- Foxtail: It tends to lose leaves easily and dirty the aquarium, and is more suitable as a floating plant. Ambulia looks cleaner and denser as a background plant.
For these reasons, the Ambulia is often preferred by both novice and advanced aquarists.
Ecological and functional benefits of Ambulia
In addition to its ornamental value, Ambulia plays a fundamental role in the health of the aquarium:
- Absorbs nitrates and phosphates, helping to control algae and maintaining stable water parameters.
- Natural biological filtration: Reduces ammonia and nitrites through its metabolic activity.
- Oxygenates the water, improving the quality for fish and shrimp.
- Provides shelter and spawning areas for ovoviviparous fish and fry.
This combination of advantages makes Ambulia an irreplaceable plant for aquascaping, community tanks, and beginner aquariums.
Price and Availability
Ambulia is an affordable plant widely available in specialty stores and online. You can find stems or clumps for prices ranging from 3 and 10 euros depending on the format (blister, pot, in vitro) and the number of stems included. Once you acquire a healthy plant, you can easily propagate it using cuttings to multiply it in your aquarium.
