Plant Profiles

Hydrotriche hottoniiflora

Hydrotriche hottoniiflora
Pine Needle Hydrotriche
$7.95

Hydrotriche hottoniiflora is a bright green stem plant that is endemic to the island of Madagascar. It is a spectacular plant that can only be grown under the water, and has a firm and succulent texture which makes it somewhat resistant to being eaten by herbivorous tank inhabitants.

One of the most striking features of Hydrotriche hottoniiflora is its stiff needle-like leaves. These leaves can grow up to 3 cm long, creating a unique look in the aquarium. The plant is fairly fast growing in the right conditions growing up to the surface of the water. When the plant reaches the surface, it will bloom and produce small white flowers. This plant can be quite fragile, so take care when it is planted in the aquarium. It isn't an issue if stems break though as this plant can be easily propagated by cuttings.

In terms of care requirements, Hydrotriche hottoniiflora is relatively undemanding. It prefers a temperature range of 18-34°C and does best in soft water with a slightly acidic pH, but can grow well in a wide range of water conditions. This makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced aquarists. It does require at least medium lighting however, growing leggy in lower light. When provided with additional CO2 and high lighting, the leaves will actually grow slightly flatter and wider, with a more vibrant colouration.

In terms of aquascape design, Hydrotriche hottoniiflora works well as a midground or background plant, particularly in aquariums with higher flow. Its unique texture and bright green colouration make it a great addition to any planted tank, and it can be paired with other stem plants, such as Rotala rotundifolia or Ludwigia repens, to create a diverse contrast of leaf shapes.

Hydrotriche hottoniiflora can also provide a range of benefits for the health of your aquarium. Like other aquatic plants, it can help to improve water quality by oxygenating the water and absorbing nitrates. It can also provide a natural habitat for fish and other aquatic creatures, creating a more diverse and natural environment for them to thrive in.

Overall, Hydrotriche hottoniiflora is a great choice for any aquarist looking to add a unique and striking plant to their aquarium. With its distinctive needle-like leaves and relatively low care requirements, it is a versatile and easy-to-grow plant that can help to create a beautiful and natural-looking aquascape.

Requirements and information

Temperature:
TropicalWarmCold

Substrate type:
CoarseFine

Substrate nutrients:

Medium

Water nutrients:

Medium

Light demand:

Medium

CO2:

Low

Height:

Tall

Growth rate:

Moderate

Growth habit:

Stem

Difficulty:

Intermediate

Native to: