Hygrophila Salicifolia Narrow Leaf

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Willow-leaf Hygrophila; Willow-leafed Hygrophila

Synonyms

Hygrophila angustifolia; Ruellia salicifolia; Hygrophila ringens var. ringens (per Flora of China)

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia

Habitat

Riverbanks, streams, and marshy areas in tropical and subtropical Asia and northern Australia, growing both emersed and submersed

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 20 in (10 – 51 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Fast

Placement

Background, Midground

Water

Temperature

70 – 82 °F (21 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

2 – 12 dGH

dKH

2 – 18 dKH

PAR

30 – 80 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Brown

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Grows upright in dense clusters, quickly forming a green backdrop as narrow, willow-shaped leaves stack along tall stems. Adaptable to soft or hard water and a range of temperatures, it suits low-tech and CO2 tanks alike, turning more compact and olive-toned under stronger light. Regular top-trimming and replanting keeps stands thick rather than leggy.

Care

A tall, fast-growing stem plant with narrow, willow-like leaves that forms a dense green wall when planted in groups. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures, pH, and hardness, making it forgiving for beginners running low-tech setups as well as aquascapers with CO2-injected tanks. Under medium to high light it grows more compact and can develop a bronze or olive tint, while under lower light it stretches out with wider spacing between leaves.

Planting & trimming

Plant stems in groups a couple of inches apart directly into the substrate, burying the lower node so roots can establish. Because it grows quickly and tall, it is best reserved for the back of the tank where trimmed tops can be replanted to thicken the stand. Regular trimming of the growing tips encourages branching and a bushier habit rather than a single leggy stem.

Fertilizing

Regular liquid fertilization or root tabs support its rapid growth, since it draws nutrients through both leaves and roots. It responds well to a complete fertilizer supplying iron and potassium, and yellowing or holed lower leaves usually signal a nutrient deficiency rather than disease. CO2 supplementation is not mandatory but speeds growth and produces thicker, sturdier stems.

Propagation

Propagated readily by cutting the top few centimeters of a healthy stem and replanting the cutting directly into the substrate, where it will root and branch. Side shoots that develop below a trim point can also be separated and replanted once they have grown a short length of their own stem.

Problems

Some lower leaf loss after planting or transplanting is normal as the stems adjust to submersed life and usually resolves with steady light and fertilizer dosing. Weak lighting or poor flow can encourage algae to settle on the slow-shedding older leaves, so trimming and improving circulation helps keep the plant clean. Nutrient deficiencies, especially of iron and potassium, show up as pale or perforated leaves and are corrected with consistent dosing.

Sources

1. Hygrophila salicifolia - Flowgrow Aquatic Plant Database
2. Hygrophila Salicifolia Care Guide | Melbourne Tropical
3. Hygrophila salicifolia Profile
4. Willow-leaf hygrophila Aquatic Plant Care | Atlarium

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