Kaiser Aquatics Hygrophila Difformis

🌿 Hygrophila difformis (Water Wisteria) Care Guide

🔍 Overview

• Common Name: Water Wisteria

• Scientific Name: Hygrophila difformis

• Family: Acanthaceae

• Type: Stem plant

• Growth Rate: Fast

• Placement: Midground to background

💡 Lighting

• Moderate to High Light

  • Encourages lush, highly divided leaf structure

  • In low light, leaves may become broader and less “fern-like”

Higher light brings out vibrant green and detailed leaf texture.

🧪 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)

• pH: 6.5–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

• CO₂: Not required but promotes fuller, faster growth

🌱 Substrate & Fertilization

• Substrate: Can root in any substrate—nutrient-rich preferred

• Fertilization:

  • Liquid Fertilizer: Boosts color and vigor

  • Root Tabs: Optional—mostly feeds through water column

It’s a great plant for low-tech and high-tech tanks alike.

✂️ Trimming & Propagation

• Trimming: Top regularly to prevent it from overshadowing other plants

• Propagation: Simply snip a healthy stem and replant it in the substrate

It roots easily—perfect for beginners!

📐 Tank Placement

• Ideal Use: Background in small tanks, mid-background in larger ones

• Spacing Tip: Plant stems ~1 inch apart to prevent crowding

🐠 Compatibility

• Fish & Shrimp Safe: Yes

• Perfect for: Community tanks, shrimp tanks, betta tanks

• Benefits:

  • Absorbs excess nutrients, reducing algae risk

  • Provides great cover for fry and shy fish

  • Adds tons of texture and movement

⚠️ Common Issues

• Leggy Growth: Caused by low light—trim and replant tops for bushier shape

• Melting or leaf drop: Often from shock during tank changes—usually temporary

• Iron Deficiency: Yellowing in newer leaves—dose micro ferts with iron

🌸 Bonus Feature

• Can grow emersed in shallow water or humid setups, producing delicate purple flowers!

💡 Quick Tips

• Makes a great nitrate sponge in overstocked tanks

• Also works well as a floating plant for temporary nitrate control or fry protection

• Excellent for new tanks because of its fast growth and resilience