Hygrophila polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma, common name Indian Swampweed (family Acanthaceae) is a very popular aquarium plant that is often planted in very large bunches. This is a very easy plant to maintain and can be made to grow really fast by providing good light and nutrients.

It is an excellent plant for a new aquarium to help use up excess nutrients. Its propagation is very easy by cuttings and the more the plants are cut back the better they branch out to form bigger plants.

This is one of the hardiest aquarium plants available and is particularly good for beginner because it grows in almost all conditions. It normally grows fast so it is important to prevent it from crowding out other plants. The shoots must be pinched out regularly.

Stems grow to a height of 25-40 cm and 4-8 cm wide.

Leaves lying on the surface form small new plants.

Polysperma grows in any of the more common substrates, as the species takes its nutrients from the water column. That said, aquarium soil, sand, or gravel are good choices for these plants. It generally takes a week or so for these plants to take root, so you’ll need to use aquarium weights initially to keep the stems firmly anchored.

This is extremely easy to grow and doesn’t require any special care. That said, the addition of trace minerals after each water change will promote healthy growth. To prevent the plant from taking over the whole tank, you will need to prune it regularly. Pruning also encourages the plant to rejuvenate itself and triggers new growth, making for a healthier, more attractive specimen.

Plant Info