Hemiographis exotica (5cm Pot) Care Guide

Hemiographis exotica, also known as Exotic Creeping Purple, is a beautiful and unique aquarium plant with striking, variegated foliage in shades of green, purple, and silver. It creates a stunning visual effect in aquascapes and is perfect for adding color and texture, especially in the foreground or midground of the aquarium. Here’s a concise care guide for this plant:

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: Suitable for tanks of 10 gallons or larger.
• Lighting: Moderate to high; bright lighting enhances the colors of the leaves and encourages healthy growth.
• Temperature: 22–28°C (72–82°F); thrives in tropical conditions.
• pH Range: 6.0–7.5; slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal.
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (4–12 dGH).
• Substrate: Prefers a nutrient-rich substrate for optimal root development. It will also benefit from root tabs or liquid fertilizers.
• Growth Rate: Slow to moderate; it is not a fast grower, making it suitable for smaller aquascapes or low-maintenance setups.
• CO2 Requirement: Optional; CO2 supplementation can enhance growth, but this plant can thrive without it.

Key Tips

• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning due to its slow growth. Trim any old or damaged leaves to maintain its compact and tidy appearance.
• Fertilization: Regularly dose liquid fertilizers, especially those with iron, potassium, and trace elements, to support healthy growth and vibrant color.
• Water Flow: Prefers low to moderate water flow. Excessive water movement can cause the delicate leaves to break or become dislodged.
• Placement: Best placed in the foreground or midground of the aquarium, where its creeping growth can create a colorful carpet or fill in gaps in the aquascape.
• Propagation: Easily propagated by cutting the stems and replanting them. New shoots will grow from the cuttings, allowing the plant to spread.

Hemiographis exotica is a stunning and low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of exotic color to your aquarium. Its beautiful foliage and slow growth make it perfect for aquascaping, especially for those looking to create a unique, textured look. With the proper care, this plant will thrive and bring vibrant hues to your aquatic environment.