PlantFiles: Willow Leaf Hygro
Ruellia salicifolia

This Ruellia made a lush, green plant in my aquarium. It thrived in only the light from my window and it stood up to the abuse of my spooked piranhas whipping around the aquarium. It would provide excellent cover for fry. I also noticed that my crayfish didn't eat it, nor did my snails so it might possibly stand a chance in an aquarium with herbaceous fish.

It's a great tool for lowering nitrate and nitrites in the aquarium. This plant grew very fast and I recently divided it. It's already starting to grow rapidly again.

If you trim the top, your plant will bush out more.

Update: 2/16/08

I haven't trimmed it in a while and it's grown up and out of my aquarium, I'd say it's about three feet tall now. In a sunny window, it's started to flower on the exposed top.

Bruised foliage stinks. A very unpleasant smell and takes multiple washings to dissipate.