Hygrophila corymbosa temple mint

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.