Hygrophila pinnatifida is a stunning stem plant from India. It has brown patched leaves on the top and beautiful burgundy-colored leaves at the bottom. Its unique pinnately lobed shape leaves and rich colors resemble a Cryptocoryne. Having said that, the leaves can range from brown, purple, red, green, or yellow depending on the conditions it is kept in.
These appealing features can make your aquarium look decorative with color and texture, thus allowing your lovely fish to hide and explore.
If the top shoots are constricted, it produces many horizontal shoots, thus keeping the growth compact and appealing. The horizontal side shoots stick to both wood and rocks with ease. The plant has a modest to medium growth pace and intense lighting ensures compact growth.
One interesting feature of Hygrophila pinnatifida is that it attaches to hardscapes like glue. You take your plant cuttings and put them in between some rocks and it will attach itself like an epiphyte plant and start growing from there, similar to a fern or an Anubias.
Fill your aquarium with colorful life.
Care tips
- It grows well in moderate light, but intense lighting will enhance compact growth.
- If nitrogen levels are really low, they develop an appealing deep red color.