Hygrophila polysperma

Family : Acanthaceae

PlantFreshwaterstem plant

Very easy and hardy plant, ideal for beginners, grows quickly and absorbs nitrates.

Hygrophila polysperma — photo 1 sur 4 — Wikimedia Commons contributor · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.01 / 4

Popularity

Stem plant

fast growing, needs trimming

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Southeast Asia

Rivières et forêts inondées d'Indonésie, Malaisie, Thaïlande.

Description

Hygrophila polysperma is a stem plant that can reach 50 cm in height. Its leaves are opposite, oval to lanceolate, light green. It has very fast growth, making it an excellent starter plant. It can be grown submerged or emersed. Its roots develop easily. It is often used as a background plant. It can become invasive if not pruned regularly. It tolerates a wide range of conditions.

Habitat

Region :

Slow rivers, marshes, rice paddies

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature18–28 °C

pH6–8

GH2–20 °dGH

KH2–15 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 40 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 3 mg/L

CO₂

≤ 10 mg/L

Light

Low

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Photosynthetic

Min. tank

20 L

Min. group

Adult size

50 cm

Lifespan

3 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

stem cuttings

Care notes

This plant does not require CO2 or strong lighting; low to medium light is enough. Temperature 18-28 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, GH 2-20 °d. It grows even in hard water. Nitrates can be high (up to 40 mg/L) without issue. Frequent pruning is needed to control growth. It propagates easily from cuttings. Minimum tank volume 20 L. Compatible with all fish. Caution: it can be invasive in some regions.

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