Hygrophila pinnate: description and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Hygrophila pinnatifida (or pinnate) is native to India. The uniqueness of the plant lies in the original carved leaves.

It was brought to us quite recently. Only in 2010 it appeared on free sale, and until then it was very difficult to purchase, although pinnately cut hygrophila is an absolutely unpretentious plant that does not require special and complex care when growing.

Appearance

Hygrophila is an aquarium plant. Its uniqueness and main difference from the aquatic flora is that it has an original structure. It is the carved curly leaves, which are able to change their color depending on the conditions of existence, that distinguish the hygrophila from the abundance of other vegetation.

Leaves can be in shades of green with hints of dark orange and brown, and their undersides range from pink to deep burgundy.

Where used

Hygrophila pinnatifid plant is actively used in the design of aquariums and ornamental pools. In artificial water areas, it grows very slowly and has a maximum height of 20 cm, inthe natural environment of existence can grow up to 40 cm.

Slow plant growth is a very good factor for aquarium decoration, because the original design idea will be durable.

Hygrophila pinnatifida is most often placed in the middle of a large aquarium or in the corners and under the wall. In addition, the plant can grow both in the ground and on snags and stones.

Small aquariums also decorate them. If the hygrophila pinnate grows above the water level, then its leaves are cut.

This plant is also unique in that the amount and quality of lighting in no way affects its growth, unlike most other vegetation. Therefore, do not keep the light in the aquarium dim so that the plant does not grow.

How to care

Hygrophila pinnatifida aquarium plant does not require special care, because in its natural habitat in its homeland it is considered a weed and grows in various conditions. However, India is a country where the waters of its waters are warm, so the temperature in the aquarium should be maintained between 22 and 27 degrees.

Also, the Hygrophila Pinnatifida plant can grow and develop normally in hard water, but the favorable conditions for its existence are precisely the soft liquid, for which the acid balance should be increased. Usually a little peat is added to the filter, which helps to reduce alkalinity.

Under natural conditions, hygrophila grows with bright ormoderate lighting. However, as the long-term experience of aquarists has shown, the plant is able to grow normally in a dark environment. But with abundant lighting, it does not rise up, but kicks out more side shoots.

When planting a plant, special attention should be paid to the quality and quantity of soil, because the hygrophila has a weak root system. Therefore, it is recommended to make substrates, the best option would be a sandy base mixed with gravel.

The plant reacts poorly to water hardness and the addition of various trace elements, fertilizers and carbon dioxide. But a lack of potassium can cause a weakening of the hygrophila, which is revealed in the falling off of the leaves. The first wake-up call will be the appearance of holes in the foliage, after which the plant sheds it.

In a greenhouse with a high percentage of humidity, the hygrophila can also grow normally, but it does not stretch upwards, but becomes more powerful, with characteristic wide leaves. Moreover, the daughter shoots of a plant grown on land can grow and multiply normally in the aquatic environment.

How to breed

Hygrophila pinnatifida reproduces by shoots that appear from the side, then give roots and are able to grow on their own after planting.

However, it is necessary to monitor the number of daughter plants, because in excess they can harm the mother.

Most often in aquariums, hygrophila is planted in groups and, if necessary, the leaves protruding from the water are cut. But a single plant will multiply faster if there isenough potassium.

Mostly hygrophila is a unique and unpretentious exotic plant that will not only be a permanent decoration of any aquarium, but will also be able to remind those who have never been there of the waters of the ocean.

However, it is necessary to observe the temperature regime and other conditions of detention, otherwise the overseas guest will simply die.