DIFFICULTY Moderate

Benefits from more deliberate care.

LIGHT High

Around 10 hours is a useful starting point.

CO₂ Recommended

Can grow without it, but responds noticeably to supplementation.

GROWTH Medium

Medium trimming needs.

PLANT OVERVIEW

About Hygrophila Pinnatifida

A unique fern-like stem plant that can attach to hardscape.

Hygrophila pinnatifida has highly lobed leaves that can turn deep burgundy under high light. It can be planted or attached to wood.
Shrimp friendly Low-tech suitable High-tech suitable
CARE PROFILE

What this plant needs.

The useful numbers and practical notes, grouped around how you actually keep the plant.

TANK FIT

Placement + size

Primary placementMidground
Typical height6–16 in
Typical width6 in
Suggested minimum tank10 gal
Suggested tank height18 in+
LIGHT + CO₂

Energy demand

Ideal lightHigh
Photoperiod range8–12 hr
Approx. PAR30–100
Injected CO₂Recommended
CO₂ benefitHigh
NUTRITION

Where it feeds

Root feedingModerate
Water-column feedingHigh
Overall fertilizer demandHigh
Iron demandModerate
MicronutrientsLow
WATER

Useful parameter range

Temperature68–82°F
pH6–7.5
GH2–12 dGH
KH2–10 dKH
PLANTING

How to plant it.

Substrate: Any
Hardscape: Can be attached to rock or wood.

Can be attached to wood or rocks.

GROWTH + PROPAGATION

What to expect after planting.

Propagation

Stem cuttings

Acclimation

Prone to potassium deficiency holes.

COMMON PROBLEMS

What usually goes wrong.

Pinholes in leaves from potassium deficiency.