The Rotala Macrandra - Red, commonly known as the Giant Red Rotala, is a beautiful red plant from Asia. The species has among the most intense coloration in the aquarium and is stunning when kept in top condition. Its medium-sized, red leaves grow from a stem which can reach a height of about 1'.

Ludwigia repens Overview: Commonly known as water primrose, Ludwigia repens originates from the tropical waters of North and Central America, as well as the Caribbean islands. This beautiful freshwater aquarium plant has the characteristic two-toned color of leaf; olive green on top and reddish brown underneath. It is amphibious in nature and grows well when fully or partially submersed. It serves as a great plant for aqua-scape when used as a midground or background plant in aquariums. Appearance: The unique appearance of this aquatic plant is characterized by the striking dark red leaves and stalk that adds to the decorative appeal of the aquarium. The stems grow between 20 and 50 cm long, and 4-6 cm wide. Hard or Soft plant: Hard plant Ideal water temperature: Water temperature conditions for optimum growth of Ludwigia repens ranges between 17 and 28 degree Celsius. Lighting conditions: The stunning red coloration of leaves majorly depends on the light intensity. It prefers a moderate to high-intensity lighting to maintain its vibrant color. 2.5 watts per gallon is preferred to maintain the red coloration, but even lower intensity lighting like 1.75 watts per gallon with power impacts work well with Ludwigia repens. Ideal pH conditions: Ludwigia repens thrives under pH levels 5 to 8. Functions and advantages: 1) Makes a great addition to aquariums as a mid-ground or background plant in aquascaping. 2) Ludwigia repens leaves are edible. Even its shoots are used as vegetables in some countries.   Did you know? Ludwigia repens thrives under low nitrate levels (>5ppm), high phosphate levels (1.5 – 2ppm), and iron trace elements. It produces many side shoots, hence pruning will provide a bushy look to enhance its aesthetic appeal.

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.

Overview: Hailing from Asia and Australia, Pogostemon stellatus is one of the most attractive aquarium plants, also popular as Water Star. It belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The typical shape and color of the plant are what makes it different and unique. Although Pogostemon is a bit difficult to grow in aquariums, when grown in the right ways, it brings newness to the tank. If you are planting a water star in your tank, supplementing additional micronutrients and carbon dioxide becomes essential to help it grow well. The growth rate is medium, and light demand is high. As compared to other aquarium plants, Pogostemon is a bit demanding and therefore suitable for experts. Appearance: Although there are many varieties in the species that have broad leaves, this particular variety is known for fine lush green leaves. It thrives well in its emersed (terrestrial) form. When grown inside the aquarium, the plant flourishes its whole splendor and keeps emerging new shoots with very narrow, reddish tinge light green, purple leaves. The shoots are branched and get more than 10 cm wide and between 15 and 30 cm in length. Being a stem plant, it is suitable to grow as a midground or background plant in bunches to form a stunning bushy structure in the tank. Hard/soft plant: Pogostemon is a stem plant, hard enough to thrive in the hard substrate and survive in emersed conditions. The general hardness of water can be between 0 - 30°dGH. Ideal water temperature: 20 to 30 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature range for Pogostemon stellus to grow and survive. Along with this, the water should be soft to medium-hard. Lightening conditions: The plant requires strong light conditions along with good carbon dioxide and nutrient supply. In the deficiency of micronutrients, the leaves turn pale, and the plant starts wilting. When the plant is provided with a coherent dark phase of more than 12 hours per day, you may get to see pretty purple flowers spiking. Ideal pH level: pH value should remain between 5 and 7 to attain the best growth of the plant. Propagation It is easily propagated by cuttings. In order to ensure long-term success, add nitrate, phosphate, and micronutrients to the water column. Do you know: Pogostemon is a good indicator of nutrient deficiency in the tank. If the leaves turn pale and the plant starts to wilt, maybe it’s time to feed fertilizers to the aquarium.

Hygrophila corymbosa (common name: temple plant, starhorn, giant hygro) Overview: Native to Asia, especially Thailand, this aquatic plant is fairly undemanding and is also a popular choice for aquarists due it it’s background use in aquascaping. Although it grows well in immersed conditions in it’s natural habitat, it manages to grow even in submerged conditions in aquariums. It bears beautiful purple flowers above the surface of water, but in aquariums they are unable to bear flowers. As it can easily grow up to a height of 20-40 cm, this plant is best suited in medium to large sized aquariums, that too as background ornamentation plant only. Appearance: True to it’s name, narrow temple plant or Hygrophila corymbosa has thin narrow leaves. The plant usually attains a height of about 20 to 40 cm and is thus best suited for medium to large sized aquariums. Hygrophila corymbosa bears purple flowers in submerged conditions and under optimum conditions. Hard / Soft plant: Hard plant Ideal water temperature: Hygrophila corymbosa grows well in temperatures between 24 and 28 degree Celsius. Lighting conditions: Hygrophila corymbosa prefers moderate to strong lighting conditions for optimum growth. Ideal pH conditions: Hygrophila corymbosa thrives under pH levels 6.3 and 7.5 and water hardness between 71.43 and 321.43 ppm. Functions and advantages: Hygrophila corymbosa is a versatile plant used for aquascaping. They are excellent as background aquarium plants owing to their height. Yellowing of leaves indicates iron deficiency and thus it serves as an indicator of optimum nutrient levels required for the growth of Hygrophila corymbosa.  Did you know? Hygrophila corymbosa propagates very easily by just snipping off the stem, removing the bottom leaves, and gently planting into the substrate. Care must be taken that the substrate receives adequate nutrients for optimum growth of Hygrophila corymbosa.

The Indian water sprite fern, also known as Ceratopteris thalictroides, is an aquatic fern that can be used in freshwater aquariums. It has light green leaves with lace-like edges and slightly darker green stems. The plant can grow to be 6–12 inches tall and 4–8 inches wide.

Bacopa caroliana (Common names: mint bacopa, lemon bacopa, blue water hyssop) Overview: Originating from the South-eastern United States of America, Bacopa caroliana is one of the most popular and readily available aquatic plants for aquariums. The undemanding nature of these plants and slow grow rate makes it a preferred choice among aquarium hobbyists. Bacopa caroliana grows well in bogs or partially submerged in it’s natural habitat. Its leaf arrangement can be customized and hence serves as a great option in aquascaping. Appearance: The stems of Bacopa caroliana grows about 10 to 50 cm long and 3 to 4 cm wide. The leaves are thick and succulent, and emit a citrus smell when crushed. The coloration ranges from greenish yellow to pinkish copper- brown depending on the intensity of light it is exposed to. In immersed state, it produces small purple flowers, but in aquariums, the flowers tend to decompose. Hard or Soft plant: Hard plant Ideal water temperature: Bacopa caroliana prefers water temperatures between 21 and 27 degree Celsius. Lighting: Bacopa caroliana grows well in ample lighting conditions, but manages to grow under moderate lighting too. Ideal pH conditions: Bacopa caroliana thrives in pH levels between 6.5 and 7.5 and water hardness between 71.43 and 142.86 ppm. Functions and advantages:

• Bioluminescence: Bacopa caroliana produces reddish light from chlorophyll when gold nanoparticles are introduced to it, causing the cell to promote photosynthesis. Taiwanese scientists are doing R&D on this natural phenomenon to find out how Bacopa caroliana can be used to reduce global warming and reduce energy costs substantially.
• The leaves of Bacopa caroliana have a characteristic lemony fragrance, are edible and used as a garnishing herb.
• The leaf infusion can be used for medicinal purposes to cure respiratory issues like chronic cough and breathing problems.
• Used for aqua-scapes in aquariums because of its beautiful coloration and bluish purple flowers.

  Did you know? Bacopa caroliana produces lateral shoots and propagates by removing the side shoots from the parent plant and planting the bare stem into the substrate. Care must be taken to remove the bottom leaves to remove the bare stem without crushing it. New shoots soon develop that grows into new plants. When being planted to a new tank for the first time, use of fertilizers and nitrates are strongly recommended.

The beautiful and unique Hygrophila ‘Araguaia’ is named after the river system of the same name in Brazil, although it is known to originate from South and East Asia, and is also known as Hygrophila lancea. In the wild it grows as a marsh plant and along rivers up to 70cm tall, but remains much smaller in the aquarium environment. It has been widely spread amongst hobbyist in North America but only in recent years become more popular and available in Europe.