Lindernia grandiflora, more commonly known as the Blue Moneywort, is a great small pond plant to have in any enclosure with or without animals.
The Blue Moneywort is a perennial herb and can be grown submersed or partially submerged in water systems.
Its bright leaves and short stature make this an eye-catching, adaptable plant and one I would consider an intermediate-level addition to any tank.
| Quick Stats: | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lindernia grandiflora |
| Common Name | Blue Moneywort |
| Family Name | Scrophulariaceae |
| Habitat | Shallow Ponds & Creeks |
| Temperature | 60°F to 77°F |
| Height | 0.5 – 4 inches |
| pH | 5.5 to 8.0 |
| Lighting | Low to Moderate |
What Is Blue Moneywort?
Lindernia grandiflora is a herbaceous, marginal plant with bright green leaves and raised blooms.
This plant is usually found around the perimeter of ponds, lakes, and water systems.
Unlike many of its aquatic relatives, this plant creates raised flowers, which can be seen growing on top of the water’s surface.
Lindernia grandiflora will even produce fruit-like stalks when blooming that can be harvested and eaten like cucumbers.
Blue Moneywort Facts
The Lindernia grandiflora, or Blue Moneywort, is a semi-aquatic species of flowering plant found in warmer climates like India and Indonesia.
These plants propagate easily, often by runners off of their main stem into the water, and can quickly take root.
This plant prefers to be grown in shallow waters and because of its vibrant colors, can be planted in a range of depths, often seen as an aquarium border or ground cover.
Description
The Lindernia grandiflora is easily recognizable due to its emerald-green to sky-blue foliage with delicately upright veins.
These plants tend to have soft, fragile stems that are susceptible to breaking, which makes them ideal for breeding tanks.
Its leaves will range from anywhere between 0.5 to 4 inches long and wide, each one having its own unique shape.
The unique thing about the Lindernia grandiflora is its bright flowers that sit on top of the surface, some having a blue-purple color.
Habitat
The natural habitats for the Blue Moneywort are warm climates with a high level of water.
Its native habitats are shallow water systems like ponds, creeks, lakes, rivers, and marshes.
This particular species is perfect for vivariums and ponds since it can be grown both emersed and submersed in an aquatic environment.
pH Preference
Lindernia grandiflora is a very tolerant plant that can grow in a wide range of water conditions and pH levels.
However, the ideal range of pH will be between 5.5 to 8.0.
This plant can be placed in a neutral, or neutral to slightly acidic water environment without any major losses in health.
Vivarium Type
Blue Moneywort is quite an easy-going species.
With that in mind, it will not be too complicated when choosing the type of enclosure it is grown in.
It is best to try and replicate the plant’s natural habitat as much as possible.
Doing so will make it easier to provide this foliage plant with its basic needs.
The proper setup and theme of the enclosure will make a big difference to the overall look and health of the plant.
Be sure to choose setups that are moist and high in humidity.
Here are recommended vivariums it will do well in:
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- Paludariums – Half aquatic/ half terrain-based enclosure.
- Ripariums – Mostly aquatic-based enclosures with some terrain features present.
- Terrariums – Fully terrain-based enclosures with little to no aquatic features.
Vivarium Placement
Lindernia grandiflora can either be grown as a terrarium plant or as a marginal, aquatic plant depending on the aquatic enclosure setup.
For terrariums, this plant will do best planted in nutrient-rich soils and should be situated in the background, along with other plants.
Its leaves will fare best when planted near the corners of the enclosure, away from direct and intense lighting due to its delicate nature.
Substrate
The substrate used for this plant will depend on the type of setup the vivarium has.
If the enclosure is an aquatic environment, then the Lindernia grandiflora will do best with a sandy or gravel substrate that encourages free flow movement of water and nutrients.
For terrariums, use a light and airy terrarium soil mix that has plenty of drainages.
Lighting
Daylight spectrum lighting will do well for the Lindernia grandiflora. LEDs, compact fluorescents, or metal halides are the optimal choice for this plant as it provides all the necessary aquatic light it needs for photosynthesis.
Aquatic vivariums typically don’t require midday lighting.
It’s best to maintain low to moderate lighting levels that replicate partially shaded areas, such as those found on shorelines.
Buy Blue Moneywort
When buying Lindernia grandiflora, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Making sure the plant is healthy when purchased is essential for its success in a vivarium or pond.
Vegetation that is already in poor conditions will have a very hard time adjusting to new environments.
Click the image below to learn more about the current price and other relative info about this plant.
Blue Moneywort Care & Propagation
Lindernia grandiflora is an easy plant to care for and propagate.
Simply, cut or break off stems or runners off of the main stem and place them in an appropriate substrate.
This plant can either remain submersed or partially submersed as it grows.
To maximize the growth of this plant, prune away any dead or dying leaves when necessary and fertilize the water with a solution.
How To Grow
The growth of this plant will depend on the type of setup within the enclosure.
If the enclosure is an aquatic environment, then the Lindernia grandiflora should be planted just below the waterline.
For terrariums, to ensure the health of the plant, the soil should be kept slightly moist at all times.
Provide plenty of room for the plant to spread and fill in as it grows and trim away any purplish-green leaves in order to encourage new growth.
Water Requirements
The Lindernia grandiflora requires plenty of water and should be kept in a container or aquarium that has at least one-half inch of standing water at all times.
This plant should be watered only when the topsoil of the terrarium appears to be dry.
As an aquatic plant, it will do well with a misting spray or light application of a liquid fertilizer that prevents nutrient deficiencies.
Plants Similar To Blue Moneywort
Adding diversity to an enclosure is key to an aesthetically pleasing setup.
Try mixing up the look of your vivarium with different flora that can easily co-exist in the same types of environment.
Furthermore, if for some reason you find Blue Moneywort hard to acquire or would like to consider something similar to this aquarium plant…
Here are other pond plants you might find will do well with or in place of Lindernia grandiflora:
Conclusion
Overall, the Lindernia grandiflora, or Blue Moneywort, is a great addition to any aquatic or terrarium setup.
Not only is it easy to care for and propagate, but it is a sturdy plant that can tolerate major fluctuations in pH and moisture levels.
Its vibrant colors, shallow heights, and ability to propagate easily make this a great choice for those beginner and experienced catch keepers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, blue moneywort (Lindernia grandiflora) is a perennial plant.
Plant blue moneywort (Lindernia grandiflora) in a pond by submerging the cuttings in a shallow spot near the edge of the water and allowing them to grow. Make sure to keep the roots submerged and the crown of the plant above the water. You may also need to hold the cuttings in place using mesh baskets, rocks, or steel wool.
Common name for Lindernia grandiflora is Blue Moneywort