Hygrophila salicifolia rubra
Hygrophila salicifolia rubra
Hygrophila salicifolia rubra is a fast-growing background plant from India producing red-tinged stems and narrow, willow-like leaves that develop warm reddish highlights under stronger lighting conditions. The red stem color combined with the warm leaf tinting creates a plant with natural warmth and visual character that distinguishes it from plain green Hygrophila species while remaining practically easy to care for across a wide range of conditions.
Care tip: Hygrophila salicifolia rubra grows best in moderate lighting with CO₂ optional. Maintain temperatures of 72–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.
Growing to 12 to 20 inches, salicifolia rubra is a vigorous background plant that rewards regular trimming with dense, colorful growth. The red stem color is consistent across conditions, while the leaf warmth increases progressively with light intensity. As a fast grower it fills background zones quickly and tolerates a remarkably wide range of conditions as the chart notes.
This easy plant grows in medium lighting with CO₂ optional. Temperatures between 72 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization maintains vigorous growth and the red stem coloration. The plant's tolerance of a wide range of conditions reflects genuine adaptability that makes it suitable for community tanks and low-tech setups.
In the aquascape, Hygrophila salicifolia rubra provides warm-toned background coverage whose red stems and narrow leaves create a fine, warm-textured background presence different from broader-leaved Hygrophila species. The consistent red stem color provides visual warmth even under lower light conditions where the leaf tinting is less pronounced. It is a practical and attractive background plant for a wide range of planted aquarium styles.
Hygrophila salicifolia rubra is a fast-growing, warm-toned, and adaptable background plant for aquarists who want easy-care warm color in the background. Its red stems, narrow leaves, and exceptional tolerance make it a reliable and visually appealing addition to any planted aquarium.
Care & Specifications
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Placement | Background |
| Max Height | 12–20 inches |
| Light Level | Moderate |
| Temperature | 72–82°F |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| CO2 Needs | Optional |
| Origin | India |
| Notes | Fast-growing background plant with red-tinged stems and narrow, willow-like leaves that develop warm reddish highlights under stronger light. Tolerates a wide range of conditions. |
