Hygrophila polysperma from tropical
Asia is one of the hardiest aquarium plants available. The shoots become
25-40 cm tall and 4-8 cm wide. It is particularly good for beginners
because it grows in almost all conditions. It is also recommendable for
the initial planting of tanks because it quickly removes excess
nutrients from the water and competes with algae.
The Hygrophila
polysperma normally grows so fast that it is important to prevent it
from crowding out other plants, so the shoots must be cut regularly. As
well as other stem plants, it is easily propagated by cuttings. Even
detached leaves floating on the surface form small new plants.
There
are only a few aquarium plants as robust and undemanding and grow as
well. Light intensity does not play an important role in 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 Hygrophila polysperma
stems is a great eyecatcher, especially suited for the middleground of
an aquarium.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH Value: 5 - 8
Temperature: 4°C - 35°C
Carbonate Hardness: 2 - 21 dKH
General Hardness: 0 - 30 dGH