Hygrophila polysperma

by Shara-Lee Schneider
From "Fins & Friends" Regina Aquarium Society, Canada
Aquarticles

Hygrophila Polysperma is a beautiful aquarium plant that originates in India.

It is a rooted plant which does well when planted in bunches. It should be placed in the back of the tank as it grows very tall, in excess of 20 inches.

I found it very forgiving, tolerating temperatures between 70-80 degrees F, and a wide variety of water conditions.

Through trial and error I found the best temperature to be about 78 degrees F and the lighting should be bright to very bright, (I use a florescent GE cool white deluxe) for approximately 18 hours a day. (When on holidays I left the lights on 24 hours a day and I came home to a jungle).

It will grow in brackish water, but prefers fresh water with a pH between 7.0-7.4. It isn't picky as to hardness. I have had it thrive in softened water and straight tap water.

The only thing I have found that can damage this plant is when it ends up in a tank infested with snails. I have made it a steadfast rule to disinfect all my new plants before putting them in my tanks, as well as any equipment which may be used in more that one tank.

When it is first placed in a new environment the lower leaves may fall off. Small roots come out of the joints and if it is planted horizontally, leaving only the joints exposed, new plants will grow up out of them quickly covering the back of the tank. It should be clipped back on a regular basis to keep it bushy and full.

Coming from a reformed plastic plant user this is a wonderful plant to start with or for anyone else who wants a fast growing and beautiful plant.