Water Wisteria care guide
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis 'Wisteria') — medium light, 22-28 °C, pH 6-7.5, no CO2.
Overview
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis 'Wisteria') is a feathery-leaved plant of the family Acanthaceae, grown as an aquarium plant. Classic background stem plant with finely divided lacy leaves when grown submerged. Fast grower and excellent nutrient sponge; works as a temporary plant during cycling and long-term in low-tech.
Taxonomy
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Genus: Hygrophila
- Scientific name: Hygrophila difformis 'Wisteria'
- Common synonyms: Synnema triflorum
Habitat
Hygrophila is a genus of fast-growing stem plants from tropical wetlands of Asia and Africa, rooting in soft to moderately hard waters of marshes, paddies and slow streams. In the Aquairi knowledge base this species is recorded from Asia.
Growth requirements
- Lighting: medium
- CO2: not required
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-14 °dGH
- Substrate: any
- Maximum height: 50 cm
- Growth rate: fast
- Nutrient demand: medium
- Recommended placement: background
- Typical trim interval: 10 days
Placement
In aquascapes this plant suits the background. It is a vigorous midground-to-background stem plant; regular trimming keeps it within bounds, and bright light produces compact bushy growth.
Propagation
This species is propagated readily by cuttings and side shoots; trimmed tops replant easily and the base sends up new stems.
Common issues
Rapid growth depletes water-column nutrients, so deficiency holes can appear in older leaves; some species are prone to algae on slow-growing lower portions if light is too intense for the available nutrients.