🌿 Nomaphila stricta Care Sheet
(Also known as Dwarf Temple Plant — not to be confused with Nomaphila siamensis)
 
🐠 Aquarium Care
Parameter
Ideal Range / Notes
Lighting
Medium to high 💡
Brighter light = more compact, bushier growth
CO₂
Not essential, but CO₂ boosts growth speed & form
Substrate
Nutrient-rich preferred (e.g., aquasoil) but can tolerate inert with root tabs
Water Temp
22–28°C
pH Range
6.0–7.5
Hardness
Soft to medium hard water tolerated
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Trimming
Regular trimming encourages side shoots and prevents legginess ✂️
Placement
Midground to background
Propagation
Cut stems and replant tops
Tips:
This plant can be invasive in optimal conditions — keep an eye on it or it’ll shade others out.
Melts if deprived of nutrients or light too long.
Root tabs are a good idea if substrate is older than 6 months.

 
🌱 Terrarium Care (Open or semi-closed, not sealed)
Condition
Requirement
Lighting
Bright indirect or filtered sunlight / strong artificial light
Humidity
70–95% (will tolerate lower humidity, but slower growth)
Temperature
20–28°C (Ideal), tolerates occasional drops to 16°C
Soil
Moist, well-draining mix: peat/coco coir + perlite or fine bark
Watering
Keep soil moist but not soggy; allow top 1 cm to dry slightly before watering
Air Circulation
Needs ventilation; poor airflow leads to mold and stem rot
Growth Habit
Upright but can sprawl if not pruned; aggressive if humidity stays high
Pruning
Needed to prevent overgrowth and encourage bushiness
Terrarium Tips:
Best suited for open-top terrariums or high-airflow vivariums.
Can grow into a small shrub if unchecked – cut back hard when leggy.
Use as a leafy contrast against mosses or compact plants.
⚠️ Watch For:
Yellowing Leaves: Usually nitrogen deficiency or low light
Stunted Growth: May indicate poor substrate or root rot