Hygrophila Pinnatifida originates from India and is characterized by brown, patched leaves on the ...Hygrophila Pinnatifida originates from India and is characterized by brown, patched leaves on the surface with a distinctive burgundy colour underneath. This plant creates horizontal side shoots that easily attach to wood and rocks, and top shoots should be pinched out to maintain compact growth. It reaches heights of 15-40cm and widths of 10-20cm, thriving best under intense lighting. As part of the Tropica 1-2-Grow range, these plants are cultivated in a laboratory setting, ensuring they are free from snails, algae, and pesticides, making them completely safe for sensitive aquarium inhabitants like shrimp and fish. To plant, carefully remove the tissue culture from the cup, rinse off the growing media, and divide the plant into 6-8 smaller portions to cover a larger area in your aquarium. These compact plants offer dense, beautiful growth when provided with the correct fertiliser and CO2 from the start.
Hygrophila Pinnatifida is a striking, versatile stem plant ideal for aquascapers looking to add texture and unique color to their layout. Perfect for midground placement, it offers beautiful burgundy undersides and intricate, fern-like leaf shapes that attach easily to hardscape materials. While it is a rewarding addition to any aquarium, it does require moderate to high lighting and consistent CO2 supplementation to maintain its characteristic compact, lush growth pattern.
All features
Model Part Number
051A TC
Brand
Tropica
Extended Product Information
FAQs
Does this plant need CO2?
While it can survive without it, CO2 is highly recommended to achieve the compact, dense growth and vibrant colors the plant is known for.
Is this plant safe for shrimp?
Yes, because it is grown in a laboratory environment, it is guaranteed free of pesticides, snails, and algae, making it perfectly safe for shrimp.
Can I grow this on driftwood?
Absolutely. It produces horizontal shoots that will eventually attach to wood or rock surfaces.
How do I make it grow more compact?
Regularly pinch out the top shoots and ensure it receives high-intensity lighting.
How should I divide the 1-2-Grow cup?
After rinsing off the gel, use a pair of aquascaping tweezers or your fingers to separate the cluster into 6-8 smaller clumps.
Troubleshooting
Plant is growing very tall and thin (leggy).
Increase light intensity or duration and ensure the plant is not being shaded by taller, fast-growing species.
Leaves are losing their burgundy color.
Check your CO2 levels and ensure sufficient iron-rich liquid fertilizer is being dosed.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Free from pests, algae, and chemical contaminants
Versatile growth allows for both substrate planting and hardscape attachment
Stunning contrast between upper and lower leaf surfaces
Easy to propagate via side shoots
Cons
Requires high light to prevent leggy growth
CO2 injection is highly recommended for best results
Needs regular pruning to maintain a dense shape
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Preparation: Carefully remove the plant from the tissue culture cup and gently rinse away all the nutrient agar gel under lukewarm tap water. Dividing the culture into 6-8 smaller portions allows you to fill a wider area of your aquarium effectively.
Planting: You may plant the portions directly into the substrate or use an aquarium-safe glue to attach them to stones and wood. Ensure the rhizome or base is not buried too deeply if planting in soil.
Compatibility: This species is safe for all freshwater tanks, including those with cherry shrimp or sensitive fish species, due to its laboratory-clean origin.
Maintenance: Monitor for vertical height; if it exceeds your layout needs, prune the top stems. Use a comprehensive liquid fertilizer to ensure vibrant coloration and strong root development.