Hygrophila angustifolia

Hygrophila angustifolia, scientific name Hygrophila corymbosa “Angustifolia”, comes with an abbreviated trade name Hygrophila angustifolia. It is a natural variety of Hygrophila corymbose. Comes from Southeast Asia. It is found everywhere, both in stagnant swampy reservoirs and in flowing, for example, rivers, streams.

It can equally successfully grow under water and on wet substrates, for example, in a paludarium. In the air, this stem plant forms lanceolate dark green leaves up to 10 cm long and about 2 cm wide. Light blue-violet flowers form in the axils of the leaves. If you rub the leaf blades with your fingers, a strong aroma is felt.

In the underwater position, the plant is transformed. The leaves lengthen and narrow in half, reaching 20 cm in length and about 1 cm in width. Moved by the flow of water, these ribbon-like leaves resemble a weeping willow moving in the wind, which is why this plant is sometimes called Hygrophila willow. Pruning increases the attractiveness of the bush. New sprouts appear at the cut site, creating a more lush growth.

Growing is relatively simple if you follow a few rules. For beginners, moderate lighting is recommended to moderate growth somewhat, and to allow carbon dioxide to be introduced during the daytime. In bright light, the growth rate increases and the plant begins to actively consume nitrates, phosphates, potassium and other trace elements from the soil. Nutrient deficiency manifests itself as follows: small holes in the leaves indicate a lack of potassium, in the case of a nitrate deficiency, old leaves quickly turn yellow and die, and the pale color of the plant indicates a low iron content. Thus, the presence of a special aquarium soil rich in all the necessary trace elements is of key importance when growing this plant.

There are certain difficulties in adapting a plant from air to water, so it is recommended to buy sprouts that have already developed under water.