Hygrophila Pinnatifida

Yes, and that is part of what makes it special. Most stem plants only root in substrate, but Pinnatifida can be glued or tied to driftwood or rock with a short piece of thread, where it grips on and sends runners across the hardscape. You can also plant nodes directly in the substrate. Either way, keep the growing tips exposed to light.

Strong light is the main driver. Under bright lighting the fern-like leaves deepen from green to bronze, copper, and burgundy, especially the new growth. CO2 and iron intensify the color, and keeping nitrates a little leaner pushes it warmer. In low light it stays green and grows taller and looser.

It is not strictly required, but it makes a big difference. With CO2, good light, and fertilizer the plant stays compact, colors up, and grows sturdy. Without CO2 it will still grow, just greener, taller, slower, and more prone to melting when conditions shift. For the best results, treat it as a high-tech plant.

It is versatile. Attached to wood or rock it stays low and creeping, which works in the foreground or midground and right on the hardscape. Planted in the substrate it grows taller and branches out for the midground. Its unique branching, fern-like shape makes it a standout accent almost anywhere in a scape.

It is sold per node. Each node is a growth point that roots and grows into a new plant, so a few nodes go a long way as they branch and spread. Attach a node to hardscape or plant it in the substrate, give it a settling-in period, and it will start putting out fresh, branching growth.