Hygrophila pinnatifida

Quick facts

Max height

30 cm

Growth rate

moderate

Difficulty

intermediate

Placement

midground, background

Propagation

lateral shoots, can attach to hardscape

Water parameters

Temperature

20–28°C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Hardness

2 to 15 dGH

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

inert ok

Feeding

feeds from both water column and roots (liquid ferts plus root tabs)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

safe with plant-eating fish (tough leaves or unpalatable)

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

fine - root system or attachment style handles it

Root-disturbing fish

tolerates fish that disturb roots

Habitat

Native to India, found growing attached to rocks in fast-flowing streams and rivers, particularly in the Western Ghats region. The species (Hygrophila pinnatifida) is unusual among aquarium plants for its deeply lobed, fern-like leaves and its ability to grow both rooted in substrate and attached to hardscape like an epiphyte. The leaves are pinnately divided (hence 'pinnatifida'), 5–10 cm long, with brown-green upper surfaces and maroon-purple undersides. The plant grows by sending horizontal runners that creep along surfaces and produce new rosettes at each node. This growth habit allows it to climb over rocks and driftwood, creating a layered, naturalistic effect unique among aquarium stem plants. The species was introduced to the aquarium hobby in the 2000s from Indian collections and quickly gained recognition in international aquascaping competitions for its unique leaf shape and versatile growth habit. Tissue culture specimens are now widely available from major aquatic plant producers.

Care notes

Moderate care. Can be planted in substrate or attached to hardscape; the plant thrives in both positions, which is rare among aquarium plants. When planted in substrate, it produces a rosette with deeply lobed leaves and sends runners along the substrate surface. When attached to rocks or driftwood, it creeps across the surface and roots into crevices. Moderate to high light is recommended; under low light, the brown and maroon coloring fades to dull green and the lobes become less defined. CO2 improves growth and color but isn't strictly required. The distinctive leaf shape and bicolored surfaces (brown-green above, purple below) make it a visual standout in any planted tank. Growth rate is moderate. Trim runners that extend beyond the desired area; each trimmed section can be replanted or reattached elsewhere. Iron supplementation supports the reddish pigmentation on the leaf undersides. Temperature: 22–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Soft to moderately hard water. In aquascaping competitions, H. pinnatifida is used for its unique texture and ability to bridge the visual gap between foreground carpets and background stems by climbing over midground hardscape. One of the most distinctive aquarium plants available.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean