Hygrophila sp. 'Tiger'

Hygrophila sp. 'Tiger', named according to its distinct leaf pattern, is one of a literal flood of new plant species that have been brought into the aquarium hobby. It is said to originate from South America, however, as is often the case with new plant species, its more accurate origins remain in the dark. At the moment, it is not available from any aquarium plant company, however, hobbyists (at least those in the USA) trade it and thus its distribution in aquaristics is rapidly on the rise.

Hygrophila sp. 'Tiger' is in many respects quite similar to H. polysperma. It grows to a comparable size, as rapidly (or maybe even faster), and its growth habit is also very much like that of H. polysperma. It is as undemanding and tolerates a great range of conditions. However, it differs insofar that intensive light and an ample micronutrient supply can turn a rather unimpressive plant into an interestingly coloured spectacular one. Emersed cultivation is easy, under almost all save the most extreme conditions.

When kept under very good conditions, its growth habit is more compact, and by a minimum of trimming, a highly effective bush can be achieved. This species is also a very suitable background plant.