Hygrophila pinnatifida UK – IC497

Hygrophila pinnatifida sp. ‘Uttarakannada,’ also known as Hygrophila pinnatifida sp. UK. It is a beautiful ornamental stem plant with unique pinnately lobed shape leaves and rich colors that can be attached to driftwood and rocks. In comparison to the standard Hygrophilla pinnatifida, it has slightly longer leaves and slightly redder color. The leaf’s serrated edge is also more prominent, and it can be used to cling to wood or rocks like a fern.

Hygrophila pinnatifida is a stem plant that continues to grow higher towards the water’s surface. It will eventually break the surface and sprout emersed leaves and little purple blooms if permitted to reach the water’s surface.

It’s an aggressive and fast-growing plant that constantly sends out runners; with enough CO₂ and nutrients, it can grow to be fairly huge, with a width of 25cm or more. This plant can be clipped to keep it at a smaller size and prevent it from shadowing other plants nearby. If you don’t want this plant to take over the tank, clip the runners regularly.

The plant sends forth runners often, making propagation simple. At regular intervals, these will spawn plantlets that can be clipped and replanted elsewhere.

Care Tips

• Strong lighting gives better coloration
• Avoid extreme water parameters