Hygrophila difformis var. ‘variegated’
September 27th, 2008Hygrophila difformis var. ‘variegated’ is a new variety of Water Wisteria that grows similarly, but has white veins, giving it a nice variegated look. Just like regular Wisteria, this plant can easily outgrow the space that you allot for it, but if you’re looking for a plant to fill out the corner of your aquascape it might be just what you’re looking for.
One thing to notice is that not all of the leaves exhibit equal variegation. Some contrast quite significantly, while others are hard to differentiate from a regular wisteria leaf. This can occur on leaves along the same stem, even.
Overall, Hygrophila difformis var. ‘variegated’, it’s a fast grower, a nitrate suck, but most importantly, a pretty plant.
Update: I learned today that this variegation is caused by a virus affecting the chlorophyll in the veins, and can be exemplified by low nitrates. Don’t worry, the virus is self-contained, and causes no danger to this or other plants.
September 27th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
I love the look of that plant, I would love to get hold of some. It looks good enough to eat in a salad! đŸ™‚
September 28th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Hygrophila difformis var. ‘variegated’, it’s a fast grower, [b]a nitrate suck[b], but most importantly, a pretty plant.
Sounds bad!
September 29th, 2008 at 6:59 am
No, that’s a good thing. :-p
September 29th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Is this the same virus that causes Hygrophila rosanverig to get white veining?
September 29th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Kets, yes, or at least a similar one.
October 5th, 2008 at 10:46 am
I picked up Hygro difformis ‘variegated’ at the last GWAPA auction and it looks great in my tank. It’s a beautiful, easy to grow plant. I really like it.
October 5th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Glad it’s growing well in your tank, Paul!