Hygrophila salicifolia (stricta)

Scientific name: Hygrophila salicifolia (stricta)

Family: Acanthaceae

Usual maximum size in aquariums: 25 - 70 cm (9.84 - 27.56 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.2 - 7.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 12°N (71.43 - 214.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

Reproduction of the plant: Cuttings

Origin (in the wild): South Asia

How fast these plants grow: Fast

Recommended substrate: Fine gravel

Demands on lighting: Bright

Ideal placement in a fish tank: Background

Common Name

Willow Leaf Hygro

Propagation

Cuttings; simply take a cutting from the mother plant and remove the bottom leaves. This can then be placed into the substrate taking care not to crush the stem. In a short time the cutting will produce roots and a new plant is formed. Ensure that the cuttings receive plenty of nutrients in the water to promote quicker root growth. This plant can be grown from seed if it is allowed to flower but this method can be hit or miss so cuttings are always advised.

Difficulty

Easy, this plant will grow well if provided with the correct nutrients added to the water column.

Short Description

This is a very undemanding plant which makes a great backdrop to the tank. It can be pruned easily with no effects to the plant and if placed in an open top aquarium it will rise above the water surface. In some countries this is classed as an invasive plant due its fast growth rate so always dispose of unwanted cuttings carefully. If this plant is allowed to grow above the water surface it will produce purple flowers but when this happens it tends to lose a lot of its bottom foliage which defeats the object of having a foliage plant in the aquarium. As with most plants of this species, they have the added bonus of absorbing nitrates from the water column along with other excess nutrients, this also provides the added bonus of controlling algae outbreaks in the aquarium.

Brighter lighting will encourage a more reddish colouration to the leaves, they can survive in lower lighting but the growth will be slower.