Hygrophila pinnatifida

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Hygrophila pinnatifida originates from India. It obtains brown, patched leaves on the surface with a distinctive burgundy colour underneath. It forms multiple horizontal shoots if the top shoots are pinched. This will maintain compact and attractive growth. The horizontal side shoots easily attach to both wood and rocks. Growth is moderate, stems 15-40 cm tall and 10-20 cm wide, and the colour is attractive when planted in small groups with a plain background. Intense lighting ensures compact growth due to the plant’s slow to medium growth rate.

Plant info
Type: Stem
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 15 – 30+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium

Cryptocoryne parva

Cryptocoryne parva fromac Sri Lanka is the smallest of all Cryptocorynes (only 3-6 cm tall and a roset less than 5-8 cm wide). It is one of the few species that does not significantly change its leaf shape and colour depending on cultivation conditions. It needs more light than most other Cryptocorynes because it almost loses its leaf plate under water. So, it must never be overshadowed by other plants.

Known for its slow growth, but Nutrition Capsules in the bottom layer will enhance the development. Individual plants should be planted a few centimetres apart, and after about six months they will form a cohesive low group of plants.

Very recommendable foreground plant.

Plant info
Type: Rosulate
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Slow
Height: 5 – 10+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Low

Cryptocoryne undulata ‘Broad Leaf’

This red version of Cryptocoryne undulata grows wild in rivers of Sri Lanka.

It is an easy plant, tolerant of very different conditions in an aquarium. Appearance of the plant will partially depend on these conditions.

Low levels of light and nutrients will produce a relatively tall, greenish-brown plant of slow growth. Higher levels of light and nutrition, combined with added CO2, will make the plant grow considerably faster producing shorter leaves of a reddish-brown colour.

Type: Rosulate
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 15 – 30+
Light demand:
CO2 :

Rotala wallichii

Rotala wallichii is a demanding plant that develops red shoot tips in good light conditions.

The most decorative effect can be achieved by planting a large number of stems in a group. Rotala walichii is good as background and midground plant and suitable even for small aquariums, because it is easy to prune if it grows too tall. CO2 addition boosts growth considerably. It also prefers soft, slightly acidic water.

Type: Stem
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 10 – 30+
Light demand:
CO2 :

Cyperus helferi

Cyperus-species are widespread all over the tropics, but only a few of them are good underwater plants. Cyperus helferi from Thailand is the first Cyperus-species used in aquariums, 20-35 cm tall and a roset from 15-25 cm wide. It requires a relatively large amount of light, and CO2 addition is recommended to promote growth. In aquariums with good water flow the plant sways beautifully in the current. 

Type: Rosulate
Origin: Asia
Growth rate:
Height: 20 – 30+
Light demand: Medium
CO2 : Medium

Rotala rotundifolia sp Blood Red

The Latin name means “the plant with the round leaves”, but this only applies to the marsh variety, which has circular leaves. Rotala rotundifolia from South-East Asia has 15-30 long stems (2-3 cm wide) and long, narrow leaves. Unlike other Rotala species it is relatively undemanding, although it needs good light to produce red leaves.
It forms side shoots willingly, becoming compact and bushy. This also means that it is hard for light to reach the lower leaves, so the plant should be pruned frequently. Also known as Rotala indica.

Type: Stem
Origin: Asia
Growth rate: Medium
Height: 15 – 30+
Light demand: Low
CO2 : Low