German name:
Pinnate water friend
Scientific name:
Hygrophila pinnatifida
Origin:
India
Size:
20-40cm
Temperature:
18-28°C
pH:
5-8
GH:
0-30°dGH
CH:
2-12°dKH
propagation:
Runners, cuttings, division
Key data:
Hygrophila pinnatifida forms submersed, i.e. under water, upright and creeping side shoots. Hygrophila pinnatifida attaches itself to rock and wood as an epiphytic plant with the help of the shoots that spread out like runners. Once they have found a suitable basis for adhesion, the shoot tips strive upwards.
When the submerged, upright shoots have a chance to grow out of the water, flowering occurs naturally in spring. The flowers develop on the upper part of the stem.
The emersed shoots of the plant above the water grow upright.
Hygrophila pinnatifida has unique pinnate-lobed leaves in both terrestrial and underwater forms. The submerged leaves have a special coloring:
on top they are leather-brown to olive-green with light yellowish markings on the branches of the lateral nerves of the midrib, and burgundy-red underneath.
The emersed leaves are medium green in color and have no particular coloring. They are wider and shorter than the submerged leaves, which makes the plant appear less conspicuous in the landform.
Distribution:
Hygrophila pinnatifida is an aquatic species endemic to India. In its homeland it inhabits submersed and emersed streams in the western coastal area at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is also native to the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
husbandry conditions:
Hygrophila pinnatifida is known as Epiphyte for open tanks suitable and therefore ideal for aquascaping. Due to the growth height, the plant can be used in large and small aquariums. In small tanks, the Pinnate Aquatic is best positioned as a background plant. In larger tanks, the plant is also suitable for the middle ground suitable.
The pinnate water friend can be described as Solitary and as a group plant use. Growth habit and color make Hygrophila pinnatifida an eye-catcher, especially in smaller groups with a calm background. Regular cutting of the top shoots ensures that the compact growth of the plant is maintained. Without pruning, tall, upright stems with long leaves will develop.
Hygrophila pinnatifida is very adaptable to the water parameters. The pinnate water friend can be kept in soft to medium-hard water (0-30 °dGH) with a pH value in the range of 5.0 to 8.0. The water should have a temperature between 18-28 °C.
Hygrophila pinnatifida does well with moderate light and moderate fertilizer application. More intensive light, regular shortening of the shoots, CO2 fertilization and a good supply of nutrients achieve stronger, much more compact growth. Too little light and an undersupply of nutrients and CO2 lead to slower growth and less compact growth.
Small cracks or holes in the leaves can be a sign of potassium deficiency. Hygrophila pinnatifida is susceptible to this.
The pinnate water friend is for the Suitable for keeping in the terrarium. It is important to ensure a moist substrate and sufficient light, whereby the addition of nutrients should not be forgotten.
Since Hygrophila pinnatifida forms runners, the plant can be propagated by division. The plant can also be propagated by cuttings.
Particularities:
As an epiphyte, the pinnate water friend is easy to untie. Placed close to wood, stones and other decorations in the aquarium, the roots attach themselves to the objects.