Hygrophila pinnatifida | How To Grow Fern Hygrophila

Looking for an accent plant for your freshwater aquarium? You'll love Hygrophila pinnatifida, also known as the fern Hygrophila thanks to its delicate, feathery leaves. Highly versatile, this plant is a particularly good choice for the more high-tech tanks.

Below, let's have a look at everything you need to know about Hygrophila pinnatifida and how to grow it for a beautiful, lush plant!

What is Hygrophila pinnatifida?

The genus Hygrophila, which contains around a hundred species, is also known as the swampweeds. Quite a few of the species in the genus are partially or fully aquatic, including today's subject: the fern Hygrophila, scientifically known as H. pinnatifida.

Hygrophila pinnatifida is naturally found in the warm waters of India. In the wild, it will grow both emersed (=above water) and submersed (=underwater). It can root in the soil, but also grow as a rheophyte, clamping its strong roots onto rocks and driftwood. This comes in handy for the plant because depending on the season, the streams it naturally inhabits can range from trickles to violent rapids.

This plant is easy to recognize by its pinnate (feather-like) foliage, which can range from bright green to a deep greenish-red in color.

Hygrophila pinnatifida requirements

The fern Hygrophila is pretty undemanding when it comes to water parameters, but remember that it will look its best when grown under high lighting, with the use of Co2 injection and regular nutrient dosing. If these are provided, this plant can grow startlingly quickly! Keep your pruning shears at the ready.

You can grow Hygrophila pinnatifida in low-tech tanks as well, but it will be a bit more finicky and you won't get to enjoy the amazing shades of rusty red the species can take on in high-light conditions.

Tip: Hygrophila pinnatifida has been noted to be sensitive to potassium deficiencies. If your plant's foliage is developing pinholes, check whether you're dosing enough of this nutrient.

Hygrophila pinnatifida uses

The fern Hygrophila hasn't been around in the aquarium hobby that long, but it has quickly become a fixture. It's just so versatile! As mentioned, it can be planted in the soil, but our favorite way to grow it is to place it on a nice piece of rock or driftwood as an accent plant. The elevated position will allow the plant to get more light, and it works perfectly as an eye-catcher.

Hygrophila pinnatifida's feathery leaves give you a great opportunity to play with texture. We think it looks particularly good when mixed with smaller-leaved plants and mosses.

And by the way, because it can grow emersed, this is a great option for paludariums and (moist) terrariums as well!

Tip: This plant is very easy to propagate by means of stem cuttings. You'll likely be trimming it regularly; don't throw the stems you cut away, but replant them or sell/give them away to other aquarists.

Buying Hygrophila pinnatifida

As mentioned, Hygrophila pinnatifida is a relative newcomer in the aquarium hobby, but it has quickly become pretty much ubiquitous. You can find this plant in most specialized aquarium stores. If they don't carry it, they may be able to order it in for you upon request.

The Shrimp Farm carries Hygrophila pinnatifida. Order now and get your aquatic plants, shrimp, and aquarium accessories shipped straight to your doorstep!

Tip: Try to buy plants that were grown submersed. The switch to growing underwater can be a bit heavy on them, which sometimes leads to the infamous "plant melt".