Water wisteria

Hygrophila difformis

Also known as Synnema triflorum, Indian water star, Wisteria, Hygrophila difformis 'Pink'

FreshwaterStemCuttingsSide shoots

Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) — en:User:Tsunamicarlos · Public domain

Care at a glance

Light: Medium light
CO2: CO₂ beneficial
Temperature: 64–82°F; 18–28°C
Max height: 19.7 in; 50 cm

Growth rate: Fast
Placement: Background
Type: Stem
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 2–15 dGH
Spread: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Nutrient uptake: Root + water column
Growth region: Submersed or emersed
Difficulty: Beginner
Family: Acanthaceae
Origin: Tropical Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsula)

Overview

Water wisteria is one of the easiest stem plants there is and a good choice for beginners. It goes in the background of the tank.

Did you know

Water wisteria can be torn into pieces and floated as a spawning mop and a refuge for fry. Even a leaf fragment will sprout roots and become a new plant.

Caring for water wisteria

Strip the lower leaves and plant the stems in groups. Newly planted stems often melt and then grow back in the submersed form, so do not panic if the first leaves drop. Water wisteria takes 64 to 82°F (18 to 28°C).

It grows in medium light without CO2. Added CO2 and brighter light speed its growth and produce tighter, lacier leaves. It feeds through both roots and leaves, so root tabs and a liquid fertilizer both help. It soaks up nutrients fast enough to help starve out algae.

It grows fast and needs regular topping. Replant the trimmed tops to propagate it. Side shoots can also be cut off once they have a few leaves and planted on their own.

Good to know

Water wisteria is a member of the acanthus family, Acanthaceae, and was formerly traded under the name Synnema triflorum. It is strongly heterophyllous, meaning its leaf shape changes dramatically with its growing form. Submersed leaves are finely dissected, while emersed leaves are broad and undivided. The species epithet, difformis, refers to this variable leaf shape.

In the wild

Water wisteria is native to the marshes, ditches and slow streams of tropical Asia, from India and Myanmar through Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. It grows as an amphibious marsh plant, rooting in mud and pushing shoots above the waterline in shallow seasonal water. Above water it produces small blue-violet flowers.

Common questions

Does water wisteria need to be planted in the substrate?

Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.

Does water wisteria need CO2?

No, but it helps. Water wisteria can grow without injected CO2, and added CO2 makes it grow faster.

How much light does water wisteria need?

Water wisteria wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.

Does water wisteria need root tabs?

They help. Water wisteria takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.

How do you propagate water wisteria?

Water wisteria propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.