Hygrophila polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma : (Common name: Dwarf hygro, Indian waterweed, dwarf hygrophila)

Overview: Hygrophila polysperma  is probably one the sturdiest aquatic plant available to aquarium hobbyists worldwide. Native to Asia, it is found in inland waters of China, Bangladesh and Malaysia extensively it is a great choice for beginners. Traces of Hygrophila polysperma have also been found in the southern regions of America like Texas, Florida, and Virginia. Resilient in nature, the Hygrophila polysperma aquatic plant is fairly undemanding and thrives readily in any kind of water, aquarium or temperature. Hygrophila polysperma is a fast growing plant and hence, frequent pruning is highly recommended to control it’s rapid growth and overcrowding the aquarium. It does not require any additional dosage of carbon dioxide for optimum growth, unlike other plants. Care must be taken to add traces of minerals every time the water is changed.

Appearance: The stems of Hygrophila polysperma’ can grow up to 30-60 cm long and 4-8 cm wide, and therefore a minimum tank size of 10 gallons or 37 liters is recommended to provide enough room for its growth. Lighting plays an important role in leaf coloration and can range from green to even pink and orange depending on the intensity of light it is exposed to. Hygrophila polysperma develops numerous lateral shoots at the leaf nodes and simply removing them and replanting in the substrate can facilitate propagation.

Hard or soft plant: Hard plant

Ideal water temperature conditions: Hygrophila polysperma can tolerate a wide range of temperature conditions, with optimal range between 18 and 30 degree Celsius.

Lighting conditions: Hygrophila polysperma is very sensitive to light and even grows luxuriously in low to medium lighting levels. However, for ideal growth indoors in absence of sunlight high quality LED bulbs or specialized CFL or fluorescent lighting is considered ideal.

Ideal pH level conditions: Hygrophila polysperma prefers pH levels of water between 5 and 8 and soft to moderately hard water.

Functions and advantages:

1) Hygrophila polysperma is compatible with most small fishes and snails. It’s sturdy nature makes them unpalatable to herbivore fishes too. However, they must be avoided in aquariums with digging cichlids and carnivore goldfishes.

2) Extremely undemanding aquatic plant and an excellent choice for background plants in aquariums.

3) Hygrophila polysperma is used us a screening tool to detect toxicities as well as used as a bioindicator to detect and control the growth of algae.

4) In India, the seeds of Hygrophila polysperma are also used for medicinal purposes.

Did you know? Hygrophila polysperma is a fast growing aquatic plant and ideal to fill up aquariums. However, it’s too many lateral shoots can become nuisance to other plants grow. Therefore, frequent pruning is always recommended.