Hygrophila Lancea Mini

Hygrophila lancea

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Acanthaceae

📍 Cultivar

An ultra-compact cultivar of H. lancea that stays exceptionally small — typically under 5 cm (2.0 in) — making it one of the few true foreground stem plants. Leaves are tiny, needle-like, and can blush red or pink under strong lighting and good CO2. Ideal for nano tanks and detailed foreground work in competitive aquascapes.

Tank Mates

Red Cherry Shrimp

Peaceful invertebrates that graze algae without damaging delicate foliage; enhance nutrient cycling

excellent

Otocinclus

Small, gentle algae-eaters that won't uproot or damage fine-leaved foreground plants

excellent

Ember Tetra

Tiny, peaceful fish that occupy mid-water column and won't disturb planted substrate

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant with similar care requirements and compact growth habit

excellent

Bucephalandra Mini Catherine

Low-light tolerant companion plant that pairs well in detailed foreground scapes

excellent

Amano Shrimp

Larger shrimp that controls algae effectively without damaging delicate plant structure

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)

Symptoms

Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of red coloration despite adequate lighting

Treatment

Increase liquid fertilizer dosing; perform water tests to identify specific deficiencies; consider all-in-one fertilizers or specialized iron supplements

Algae Overgrowth (Green Spot/Hair Algae)

Symptoms

Green film or thread-like growth on leaves and stems, reduced light penetration to plant tissue

Treatment

Increase water changes (25-30% weekly), reduce photoperiod to 8-10 hours, add algae-eating shrimp or fish, improve CO2 distribution

Melting (Tissue Decay)

Symptoms

Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; typically occurs after major water parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable pH (6.0-7.2), temperature, and CO2 levels; perform gradual acclimation; remove affected tissue; ensure adequate water circulation

Poor Growth/Stunting

Symptoms

Minimal new leaf development, weak stems, failure to reach expected height despite adequate light

Treatment

Verify CO2 injection (30-40 ppm), check lighting intensity (high light required), ensure substrate contains nutrients, test water parameters for imbalances