Hygrophila Angustifolia

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Willow Hygro; Red Willow Hygrophila

Synonyms

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia Rubra'

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Southeast Asia, India, Sri Lanka

Habitat

Tropical wetlands, marshes, and slow-moving riverbanks, growing partially emersed along muddy banks

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Stem

Max height

6 – 18 in (15 – 46 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Fast

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

4 – 18 dGH

dKH

2 – 12 dKH

PAR

50 – 100 PAR

Flow

Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Red, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Narrow, willow-shaped leaves take on a copper-red hue under moderate to high light, fading to olive-green in dimmer setups. This fast-growing background stem plant forms dense hedges when trimmed regularly and roots aggressively, so root tabs and iron-rich fertilizer help sustain its color and vigor over time.

Care

Willow hygro is an easy, forgiving stem plant that adapts to a wide range of water conditions and lighting setups. It grows tall quickly and is best reserved for the back of the tank where its narrow, willow-like leaves can fan out without shading shorter plants. Under moderate to high light the foliage develops a reddish-copper cast, while lower light keeps growth more olive-green; regular trimming every few weeks keeps the stems dense rather than leggy.

Planting & trimming

Plant individual stems directly into the substrate, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow the dense root network room to establish. Because it is usually grown emersed for sale, expect some initial melt or leaf drop as it transitions to submersed growth over a few weeks. Trim the tops as the plant reaches the desired height and replant the cuttings to create denser background hedges.

Fertilizing

Root tabs pushed into the substrate near the base support the extensive, aggressive root system this plant develops once established. Regular dosing of a liquid fertilizer containing iron and micronutrients helps maintain the reddish coloration in the upper leaves. Pale or yellowing new growth usually signals a lack of iron or nitrogen, while stunted tips point to insufficient CO2 or overall nutrient levels.

Propagation

Propagation is done by cutting healthy sections of stem and replanting them directly into the substrate. Cuttings root within three to five days under good conditions, making this one of the easier stem plants to multiply for filling out a layout.

Problems

Lower leaves can drop or become shaded and decay if the plant is not trimmed regularly, especially under strong light where the canopy thickens quickly. Poor CO2 or nutrient supply can cause slowed growth and pale coloration, while algae may colonize older, slower-growing leaves in low-flow areas. New submersed growth often looks noticeably different from the emersed form the plant is shipped in, and this is normal rather than a health problem.

Sources

1. Hygrophila Angustifolia Rubra – Nature Aquariums USA
2. Hygrophila angustifolia rubra - The Fish Barn
3. Hygrophila angustifolia rubra - Elegant Aquarium Plant

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