Hygrophila Pinnatifida
Hygrophila pinnatifida
Also known as Hygrophila Pinnata
Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Lamiales›Acanthaceae
📍 India (Western Ghats)
One of the most unique Hygrophila species, with deeply lobed, pinnate leaves that have a reddish-brown underside. It is equally at home growing emersed on hardscape or submerged in the water column. Runners grow along the substrate or attach to wood and rock, creating a natural, spreading effect prized in Nature Aquarium style.
Community Photos
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by @isabellekaulback
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Tanks keeping this 🌿
Growing in 6 tanksCommunity tanks featuring Hygrophila Pinnatifida.
Compatible Livestock
Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness
Small, non-destructive shrimp that thrive in planted tanks and won't uproot or consume healthy plant tissue
Gentle algae-eating fish that graze on surfaces without damaging established plants
Small, peaceful schooling fish that add visual interest without disturbing plants or substrate
Excellent companion plant with similar care requirements; both thrive with CO2 and medium-high lighting
Compatible low-light plant that can be mixed with Hygrophila pinnatifida for diverse aquascaping
Common Diseases
Nutrient Deficiency (Iron/Macronutrient)
Yellowing or pale leaves, stunted growth, loss of vibrant coloration particularly the purple undersides
Increase fertilizer dosing frequency to 3x weekly; add comprehensive all-in-one fertilizer or separate macro/micronutrient supplements; ensure CO2 is adequate
Algae Overgrowth (Green/Black Spot Algae)
Green film or black spots on leaves, reduced light penetration, plant appears covered or smothered
Reduce lighting duration to 8-10 hours daily; increase water changes; add algae-eating shrimp (Amano or Red Cherry); manually remove affected leaves; ensure adequate CO2 and nutrient balance
Melting (Tissue Decay)
Leaves become translucent, mushy, or dissolve; rapid deterioration of new growth
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes; ensure stable temperature (22-28°C); increase CO2 and fertilizer; remove severely affected leaves; check for ammonia/nitrite spikes
Slow Growth/Stunting
Minimal new leaf development, small leaves, pale coloration, plant appears dormant
Verify lighting is medium-high (8-10 hours daily); increase CO2 injection; boost fertilization schedule; check water parameters (pH 6.0-7.5); ensure temperature is within optimal range
Tips from the community 💡
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Quick Facts
- co2
- Recommended
- light
- Medium–High
- placement
- Mid–Background or epiphyte on hardscape
- tank size
- 20 gallons minimum
- growth rate
- Moderate
Water it likes
- ph
- 6.0–7.5
- hardness
- 3–12 dGH
- temperature
- 72–82°F (22–28°C)
Legality
No state or federal restrictions on record for this species.
Not legal advice, and possibly incomplete or out of date. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — always confirm the current regulations with your state wildlife or agriculture agency before buying, keeping, or shipping this species.