Plants
Hygrophila
Hygrophila spp.
Origin: Hygrophila is found across the tropics and subtropics worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It grows in marshy shallows, along riverbanks, and in rice fields, developing equally well submerged and emersed.
Also known as: Hygrophila spp.
Fact sheet
- Height
- 50 cm
- Temperature
- 20–28 °C
- pH
- 6–8
- Lighting
- Low
- CO₂
- Not needed
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Placement
- Midground, Background
Overview
Hygrophila is a large genus of fast-growing stem plants that includes some of the most undemanding aquarium species. Classic members — dwarf hygro, willow hygro, giant hygro — are excellent for beginners: they grow under any light without CO2 and forgive mistakes. Other species (pinnatifida, Araguaia) are more decorative and demanding. Hygrophilas clean the water well by consuming excess nutrients and quickly fill the background. They take cuttings easily and recover after trimming.
Appearance
Upright stems bear opposite leaves whose shape varies greatly by species: from narrow lanceolate and willow-like to pinnately divided and large oval. Colour is mainly green, with red, bronze, or silver-veined tones in some species. Height ranges from 15 to 60 cm.
Care
Generally undemanding: low to strong light, 20–28 °C, pH 6.0–8.0, a wide hardness range. Most need no CO2, though it speeds growth. They grow fast and need regular trimming.
Fertilizing
They actively take nutrients through roots and leaves. Macronutrients help lush growth; decorative red species need iron and micronutrients. They are good consumers of excess nitrate.
Breeding
They propagate by cuttings: stem tops are cut and replanted, and the remaining stem puts out side shoots. Most species root very easily.
Fun facts
The dwarf hygro is so vigorous that in some countries (such as the USA) it is banned as a potentially invasive plant. Many hygrophilas change leaf shape between submerged and emersed growth. It is one of the most beginner-friendly genera of aquarium plants.