Hygrophila difformis
Iconic feathery beginner stem, the leaves develop the famous deeply-cut lacework only in submersed form (above water they look like a different plant entirely). Grows so fast it works as a 'nutrient sponge' in new tanks to outcompete algae. Less forgiving of low light than temple plant; thins out and goes leggy in dim corners.
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is a stem aquatic plant for the midground to background of a planted tank. It reaches 20–50 cm under good conditions and grows at a very fast rate. Light: medium to high. CO₂: optional. Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH. Substrate: Any, water-column feeder. Propagate via cuttings.
Care at a glance
Iconic feathery beginner stem, the leaves develop the famous deeply-cut lacework only in submersed form (above water they look like a different plant entirely). Grows so fast it works as a 'nutrient sponge' in new tanks to outcompete algae. Less forgiving of low light than temple plant; thins out and goes leggy in dim corners.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to the planted aquarium.
The parameters that decide whether water wisteria fits in your tank.
Acanthaceae
Stem
Midground to Background
Any, water-column feeder
Cuttings
Marshes and swampy pools of South and Southeast Asia
India, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
CO₂ requirement: optional. Light requirement: medium to high. Under low-tech conditions the plant grows at a very fast rate.
Water Wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) needs medium to high light. Run a photoperiod of 6–8 hours; longer photoperiods invite algae unless CO₂ and dosing are dialled in.
Position: midground to background. Substrate: Any, water-column feeder It typically reaches 20–50 cm.
Propagation method: Cuttings. Water Wisteria is a stem plant.
Target 22–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 2–15 dGH. Flow tolerance: low to medium.
Difficulty: 1/5. Almost unkillable, a solid first-tank choice.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this plant with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
