Home

>

Fish

>

New Pet

>

Hygrophila Pinnatifida

Hygrophila Pinnatifida 

Updated on July 28, 2022
Reviewer Profile Photo
Reviewed by Don Spaeth
Petco’s National Aquatic Care, Education and Programs Manager

What is a Hygrophila Pinnatifida?  | Compatibility with other inhabitants  | Propagation | Plant Care  | Does my Hygrophila Pinnatifida need CO2?  | Red flags regarding your plant’s health  

aquarium plant

Are you looking for a unique and eye-catching plant for your aquarium? The Hygrophila pinnatifida may be a great choice to help create a more natural-looking environment for your aquatic life.  

This vibrant aquarium plant can be a great addition to any aquarium. It’s hardy enough to coexist with fish and other plants and is visually appealing, too. Let’s learn about the environment and care needed to help this beautiful specimen thrive.  

If you have more questions about live plants for your aquatic habitat, check out our Aquatic Plant Care Sheet.  

What is a Hygrophila pinnatifida?  

Also called dwarf Hygrophila, this fern-like specimen originated in India. It stands out from other live aquarium plants with its red hue. It has long tendrils with an intriguing white pattern across the top. The whole plant is striking, but its underside is where the coloring is most vibrant. The tops of the leaves are often varying shades of green or brown.   

Compatibility with other inhabitants 

This plant can be a great option if you have a variety of fish and other greenery in your aquarium. While this plant isn’t a favorite for fish to snack on, be sure to always do your research before introducing aquatic plants to your fish’s habitat—especially if they’re herbivores.  

This plant is hardy and generally adapts well to different water conditions, making it a good choice for a planted aquarium. It can grow quickly and should be trimmed often to keep it shorter for smaller aquariums and prevent it from overgrowing other plant life.   

Propagation 

Like many other aquarium plants, propagating a Hygrophila pinnatifida is fairly simple. Simply snip in between the internodes, or joints. After being placed in water, the snipped stems will eventually develop roots, at which point they’ll be ready for planting. Take care not to plant them too deeply, however, as this can lead to root rot. These specimens can be found in most aquatic plant nurseries.  

Cuttings can also be placed on aquarium decorations to grow and expose their beautiful red underbellies. Just affix the cutting to décor with thread until the roots take hold. This very versatile plant allows for many different options when designing your aquarium.  

Hygrophila pinnatifida care  

When it comes to lighting, take note that bright light helps bring out the plant’s brilliant colors.  

Luckily, they aren’t greatly affected by nutrients in the water or fluctuations in water parameters, so if you’re a beginner in the aquatic plant world, the dwarf Hygrophila is a great option. 

Does my Hygrophila pinnatifida need CO2? 

Yes, the use of CO2 is preferred for this species of plant, but while it will aid its growth it can survive without it. CO2 can also help the plant develop its brilliant hues and help it thrive. Researching and experimenting with CO2 kits, systems and accessories can help your plant grow optimally. 

Red flags regarding your plant’s health 

Some signs that can indicate that your Hygrophila pinnatifida needs some extra care include the following. 

Leaf damage

When examining your plant, always look closely at its leaves. If your dwarf Hygrophila lacks certain nutrients or is having issues with water quality, you may notice tiny pinholes in the aquatic plant’s leaves. Potassium is important to all plants, so make sure this level remains stable.  

Of course, your plant may also be damaged by external forces—like being nibbled on by aquatic life. Always keep a close eye on activity in your aquarium so you can be sure of the cause of any trouble. 

Your plant isn’t changing colors If you’re giving your plant CO2 and light and they’re still not changing colors, check the nitrate level in the aquarium. Optimal color patterns emerge at 5 ppm or below. Just proceed cautiously because this can also affect growth. 

It’s also important to consider the needs of the other plants, fish and crustaceans in the aquarium, not just your Hygrophila pinnatifida, and adjust accordingly. One of the challenges of cohabitating with different species is ensuring they all receive the proper nutrients, light and space. Always do your research to find which species live well together in the same environment.  

Submerging partially emerged plants Another potential pitfall that can harm your plant is fully immersing a specimen that has been allowed to somewhat live above the water line.  

Hygrophila pinnatifida can flourish when only partially submerged—in fact, they may even grow beautiful purple flowers where exposed to air. However, if you try to cover it with water again, it may not react well.  

Filed Under

Sponsored