Hygrophila pinnatifida (Hygrophila pinnatifida) care guide

Group
Plants
Family
Acanthaceae (acanthus family)
Origin
India
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
40 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; medium CO2 (about 6–14 mg/l)

Care

Hygrophila pinnatifida is an Indian stem plant with deeply lobed leaves, mottled brown on top and burgundy underneath. Stems reach 15–40 cm tall and 10–20 cm wide, but it can be kept much lower. Tropica rates it medium difficulty, with medium light and CO2 needs and slow to medium growth. Its horizontal side shoots readily attach to wood and rock, so it can be grown on hardscape as well as in the substrate. Pinching out the tops encourages many side shoots and keeps it compact, and strong light keeps growth tight. It looks best in small groups against a plain background. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Take top cuttings, or detach the creeping side shoots with their roots and tie or plant them elsewhere.

Compatibility and tank mates

Fairly firm leaves, but goldfish and large cichlids may still eat it. Suits community and shrimp tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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