Hygrophila polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma is a robust and highly adaptable plant originating from India and Bhutan. There is also brown variety native to Sri Lanka, which has been brought into trade by the aquatic plant nursery Tropica and is sold under the name Hygrophila polysperma "Ceylon". It is very widely spread in the hobby and can be obtained in most aquarium shops.

There are only few aquarium plants as robust and undemanding and grow as well. Light intensity does not play an important role for its growth. Under less intensive light, the plant grows slower and develops smaller leaves, though. Its nutrient requirements are easily satisfied, too. Water hardness has no influence whatsoever on its growth rate. It doesn't require any CO2 injection, either. In a nutshell: Hygrophila polysperma is the perfect plant for beginning aquarium keepers.

Hygrophila polysperma forms many lateral shoots, which makes propagation extremely easy. Just cut off some lateral shoots or the top shoot and re-plant into the substrate. As it is a very fast grower, the plant has to be trimmed every 2 to 3 weeks anyway.

A group of H. polysperma stems is a great eyecatcher, especially suited for the middleground of an aquarium.