Source: Wikimedia Commons
Water wisteria
BeginnerHygrophila difformis
A stem plant with striking heterophylly: deeply pinnatifid leaves underwater and undivided, toothed leaves above water. Very fast-growing, it soaks up excess nutrients in newly set-up tanks.
About
Water wisteria (Hygrophila difformis) is a stem plant of the Acanthaceae found in marshes from India to Myanmar, Thailand and the Malay Peninsula. Despite its name it is not related to true wisteria. Leaf shape identifies it: submerged leaves are deeply pinnatifid, more finely divided under strong light, whereas emersed leaves are undivided and toothed on creeping stems covered in sticky glandular hairs with a strong smell, bearing blue-violet flowers in the leaf axils. Emersed plants placed in a tank produce submerged leaves within a few weeks, and the old leaves die off. It is one of the easiest aquarium plants and is indifferent to hardness and pH. It grows quickly even without CO2, and extremely fast with good light, CO2 and nutrients. That speed makes it take up plenty of nutrients, helping to prevent algae in newly set-up tanks. Growing 20–50 cm tall, it is better suited to larger tanks than small ones. Potted and bunched plants are widely sold in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Water wisteria
The Water wisteria grows to 20–50 cm tall, 6–25 cm wide.
Temperature & humidity for the Water wisteria
The ideal temperature for the Water wisteria is 24〜28℃.
Basic Info
Origin
South and South-east Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsula and others)
Lifespan
Perennial; maintained indefinitely by replanting cuttings
Size
20–50 cm tall, 6–25 cm wide
Temperature
24〜28℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Needs trace elements including iron
Growing Tips
Lighting
Grows in moderate light; stronger light gives finer leaf divisions and sturdier growth.
CO2 & Fertilizer
Grows fast even without CO2. Pale leaves signal a lack of trace elements including iron; add liquid fertiliser.
Water Temperature & Quality
Optimum 24–28°C; hardness and pH matter little.
Substrate & Attachment
Remove the leaves from the lowest 5 cm and plant stems spaced apart in the substrate.
Trimming & Propagation
Cut and replant the tops, which root quickly; the remaining stems branch, so repeated trimming builds a bushy clump.
Cautions
Bunched plants may carry pesticide residues, so condition them with water changes before adding to shrimp tanks. Never release plants into the wild.
Water wisteria FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Water wisteria?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Water wisteria?
The ideal temperature for Water wisteria is 24〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QHow large does Water wisteria get?
The mature size of Water wisteria is 20–50 cm tall, 6–25 cm wide. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Water wisteria?
Water wisteria: watering & fertilizer — Needs trace elements including iron. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Water wisteria?
The price of Water wisteria varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Primary sources
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Hygrophila difformis (L.fil.) Blume
Synonyms: Ruellia difformis L.fil., Synnema triflorum (Nees) Kuntze, Hygrophila triflora (Nees) Fosberg & Sachet, Cardanthera uliginosa (L.fil.) Buch.-Ham. ex Benth.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in CITES (no match in Species+). Not regulated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act or Species Conservation Act. Its relative H. polysperma is on the Ministry of the Environment's alien species list, and this species should likewise be kept out of the wild. Never dump aquatic plants into rivers, ponds or ditches, or flush them away with tank water. Drain unwanted plants and trimmings and dispose of them as household waste.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing check) / Ministry of the Environment: list of Invasive Alien Species (Invasive Alien Species Act) / Ministry of the Environment: alien species list, plants (2nd ed.)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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