Plants

Hygrophila balsamica

IntermediateFreshwater

Origin: Hygrophila balsamica comes from India and Sri Lanka, where it grows in marshy shallows and along water margins. It is uncommon in the hobby.

Also known as: Hygrophila balsamica

Fact sheet

Height: 50 cm
Temperature: 22–28 °C
pH: 6–7.5
Lighting: Medium
CO₂: Not needed
Growth rate: Medium
Placement: Background, Midground

Overview

Hygrophila balsamica is a decorative stem plant with lacy, deeply divided pinnate leaves that give it a lush fern-like look. Under good light the tips and stems can take on a reddish-purple tinge. Unlike demanding feathery plants, balsamica is relatively undemanding and grows even in tanks without CO2, though CO2 improves the laciness of the foliage. It is used as a voluminous mid- and background plant.

Appearance

Upright branching stems bear opposite deeply pinnately divided leaves 5–10 cm long, resembling fern or dill fronds. Colour ranges from dark green to reddish-brown and purple under bright light. Height is 30–50 cm; the plant is bushy and voluminous.

Care

Relatively undemanding: medium to strong light, 22–28 °C, pH 6.0–7.5. CO2 is optional but improves laciness and colour. It roots in nutrient-rich substrate. It grows moderately and needs trimming for bushiness.

Fertilizing

It feeds through roots and leaves. Macro- and micronutrients help lacy foliage and colour; CO2 enhances leaf division. Moderate fertiliser demand.

Breeding

It propagates by cuttings: tops are cut and replanted, and the stem puts out side shoots. It roots easily.

Fun facts

The lacy pinnate leaves make Hygrophila balsamica look like an underwater fern. Grown emersed, the leaves become simpler and greener. It is one of the more decorative but less common plants of the genus.