Hygrophila pinnatifida (Hygrophila pinnatifida)

Description

Species Background
Hygrophila pinnatifida is native to India, where it grows along rocky riverbanks, shaded streams, and seasonally flooded forest margins. In its natural habitat it is exposed to moving water and fluctuating water levels. The plant evolved a dual growth strategy, behaving partly like a stem plant and partly like an epiphyte. It anchors itself to rocks, wood, and crevices, allowing it to survive and spread even in faster-flowing water where loose substrate would be unstable. Most aquarium specimens are cultivated rather than wild collected.

Growth Behavior
A creeping stem plant with strong epiphytic tendencies. It produces horizontal runners that cling to hard surfaces while sending vertical shoots upward. This attachment ability allows it to grow securely in higher flow areas of the aquarium. Trimmed stems readily branch and can be replanted or reattached to hardscape. Growth is moderate and becomes more vigorous and compact with stable light and CO₂.

Size and Growth Form
Typically grows 6 to 10 inches tall, occasionally taller under strong light. Leaves are deeply lobed with a jagged, fern-like structure. Upper surfaces are olive to dark green, while undersides often show bronze to reddish tones. Growth is layered and spreading rather than upright and bushy.

Aquascaping Tip
Attach to driftwood or stone in moderate to high flow areas to highlight its natural clinging growth habit and create depth and movement in the layout.

Water Parameters
Temperature: 68 to 82°F
pH: 6.0 to 7.5
GH: 3 to 12
KH: 1 to 8

Cultivated plants tolerate a wide range when conditions are stable. Sudden parameter shifts cause stress.

Light Requirements
Medium to high light. Low light leads to stretching and flatter growth. Higher light produces compact form and stronger contrast.

CO₂ Requirements
CO₂ is not required but strongly improves growth density, attachment speed, and overall structure.

Nutrient Requirements
Primarily a water column feeder. Consistent macro and micronutrients are important, especially iron. Root tabs are unnecessary when attached to hardscape.

Tank Placement
Midground to background, especially attached to wood or stone in areas with water movement.

Why Aquarists Keep It
Kept for its unique texture, ability to grow attached like an epiphyte, and its suitability for dynamic layouts with flow and hardscape emphasis.

Shipping & Acclimation Note
Hygrophila pinnatifida is prone to leaf drop during shipping and during initial acclimation. This is normal for the species. New growth typically resumes once the plant settles into stable tank conditions.