Hygrophila polysperma is one of the easiest and fastest-growing aquarium stem plants. It is popular because it adapts to almost any freshwater aquarium.
Since it grows so quickly, it’s excellent for:
- Absorbing excess nutrients.
- Helping reduce algae in newly set-up tanks.
- Creating a dense background when trimmed regularly.
Here are its main characteristics:
- Leaves: Small, oval to slightly lance-shaped, growing in opposite pairs along the stem.
- Color: Usually bright green. Under strong lighting, the top leaves can develop pink, bronze, or reddish tones (especially cultivars like ‘Rosanervig’ or ‘Sunset’).
- Height: Typically 20–50 cm, but can grow even taller.
- Growth rate: Very fast. It often needs trimming every 1–2 weeks.
- Difficulty: Very easy, making it ideal for beginners.
For good growth:
- Light: Medium to high (it also survives in low light, but grows leggier).
- CO₂: Not required, though CO₂ makes it grow denser and faster.
- Fertilizer: Benefits from regular nitrate, phosphate, potassium, and trace elements, especially iron.
- Temperature: 24–28°C.