Willow hygro

Care at a glance

Overview

An undemanding fast-growing background stem for medium to large tanks, ideal for filling out the rear of a layout or for a Dutch-style street. It grows fine in medium light without CO2, though CO2 and a good macro and micro fert supply speed it up and improve color; it draws nutrients from both the water and the substrate. Propagate by topping the stems and replanting the cuttings, which root quickly. Trim before it reaches the surface to keep dense underwater foliage, since once it emerges it will flower and the submersed lower growth thins out.

In the wild

Found in tropical wetlands across Asia, growing in marshes, ditches and the margins of slow streams. It lives both submersed and emersed, readily growing out of the water in shallow or open conditions where it can flower. It adapts to a wide range of water hardness, from very soft to hard.

Good to know

A member of the Acanthaceae, sometimes sold under the name Hygrophila stricta. Its narrow, lanceolate, willow-like leaves give it the common name, and leaf color shifts from medium-light green toward reddish or bluish tones under stronger light. In open or paludarium setups it emerges above the waterline and produces small light-purple flowers.

Did you know

Did you know that allowed to grow out of an open tank, willow hygro produces small purple flowers above the waterline. Like other Hygrophila it is a strong nutrient sponge, pulling nitrates from the water fast enough to help starve out algae in a newly planted tank.

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