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Hyptis laciniata, also known as Brazilian Watermint or Purple Bushmint, is an eye-catching aquatic plant native to South America. Its finely divided, fern-like leaves range from light green to soft purple under high lighting, adding a delicate texture and vibrant colour to any aquascape. This versatile plant thrives in both submerged and emersed conditions, making it suitable for aquariums, paludariums, and Wabi-Kusa setups.
With a bushy growth habit and moderate growth rate, Hyptis laciniata is ideal for midground placement, providing depth and contrast in planted tanks. While it can grow without CO₂ supplementation, the addition of CO₂ and nutrient-rich fertilisers enhances its colouration and overall health. Regular pruning encourages compact growth and prevents overgrowth, ensuring a well-maintained appearance.
Ideal Parameters for Hyptis laciniata
| Lighting | Medium to high |
| Temperature | 15–30 °C |
| Optimal temperature | 22–28 °C |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 3–12 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 3–12 °dGH |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Carbon dioxide (CO₂) | Optional; 10–30 mg/l recommended |
| Nitrate (NO₃⁻) | 10–50 mg/l |
| Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) | 0.1–3 mg/l |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 5–30 mg/l |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.01–0.5 mg/l |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Maximum height | Up to 20 cm |
| Placement in aquarium | Midground |
| Emersed growth | Yes |
Illustrative photo. | Reference image only.