Hygrophila polysperma: a long-legged amphibian of the underwater world

Hygrophila polysperma is a great option if you want to give your aquarium a hint of elegance. This adaptable plant, sometimes called the "long-legged amphibian" of the aquatic world, adds a special charm to any underwater scene. It’s a favorite of both novice and expert aquarium enthusiasts due to its lovely, thin leaves and quick growth.

Not only is Hygrophila polysperma aesthetically pleasing, but it is also very resilient and versatile. This plant can grow in a range of environments, whether you’re designing a more open, minimalist aquascape or a lush, densely planted tank. It adapts well to various water types and lighting conditions, making it a dependable choice for a wide range of aquarium settings.

The capacity of Hygrophila polysperma to grow both above and below the surface, where its stems can attain remarkable heights, is one of its most remarkable characteristics. Because of its versatility, it can be used in both high-tech planted tanks and low-tech setups for aquariums. Hygrophila polysperma is a plant that is both beautiful and adaptable, so it could be the ideal addition to your aquatic haven.

Hygrophila polysperma is a hardy and adaptable species that can be found both above and below the water’s surface. It is frequently referred to as the "amphibian plant" of aquariums. This plant, which is well-known for growing quickly and having vivid green leaves, gives any aquarium arrangement a lush, organic feel. Because of its versatility, it is a great option for both novice and seasoned aquarists, offering not only visual appeal but also important advantages like enhancing water quality and providing fish with a place to hide.

Plant morphology

Hygrophila polysperma has a long stem and resembles a creeping alga. The plant’s name is derived from the Greek words phileo, which means "love," and hygros, which means "wet." In 1867, the species was described.

• Family – Acanthaceae.
• Genus – Hygrophila.
• Stem – smooth, from 30 to 40 cm long.
• Color of inflorescences – pale blue. Blooms exclusively in the air.

• Leaves – pointed, up to 8 cm long and up to 1.5 cm wide. Arranged in pairs, symmetrically opposite each other. Each subsequent pair is formed perpendicular to the previous one. Color of the leaf blade – light green, the reverse side – pale silvery.

Anubias and Hygrophila polysperma are two of the hardy species.

Distribution area

The waters of Southeast Asia are home to the plant. It is found in practically every tropical area.

This culture can be found in the wetlands of India and Bhutan, as well as the rivers and lakes of China and the USA.

It is regarded as a weed in its natural habitat. prefers moist marshy places and is resilient to flooding.

Growing and care

Hygrophila breeding can be handled by even a novice. The plant does not have high maintenance requirements, but there are a few things to consider when growing.

We provide you with a brief reference guide:

• Hygrophila Polysperma is a marsh culture that can be grown in an aquarium, a humid greenhouse and a paludarium.
• Grows in a submerged state or protrudes slightly from the water. Blooms exclusively in an air environment.
• It is advisable not to grow in a floating state, since the leaves begin to shrink, and the rhizome develops poorly.
• The plant is used as a background for decorating the background. It is practically not used to create an aquascape.
• Hygrophila needs to be trimmed regularly. This manipulation helps to slow down growth and has a positive effect on the appearance.

• Due to its large size, it is not suitable for small aquariums.
• Most aquarium animals are not interested in this plant. But this pattern does not apply to goldfish and cichlids, which love to feast on juicy foliage.
• Hygrophila Polyspermae reaches its greatest decorative effect at the surface of the water, when the leaves touch the water surface, but do not crawl out.
• When planting, the branches should be rooted by 2 whorls of leaf blades and fixed in the soil. This measure is due to the fact that the root system of plants develops more slowly than the leaves, and the stems have good buoyancy.
• The recommended distance between plants is from 5 to 10 cm. This guarantees comfortable growth and protects against intertwining of rhizomes.

Fast-growing Hygrophila Polyspermae create lovely, bushy thickets that are a favorite hiding place for fry.

Optimal water parameters

The plant loves a soft, slightly acidic soil. Water must be changed on a regular basis.

General hardness — 4-8 ° dH.

Hygrophila growth ceases at a temperature below 22 °C in the water. The upper leaf blades get smaller as the hardness rises above 8 °.

Since carbon dioxide encourages this plant’s rapid growth, its supply is not required. Naturally, an exception should be made if the aquarium contains crops that require CO2.

Water provides plants with 46 percent of the carbon in their dry matter. Because it is found in small amounts in the aquatic environment, aquarists add more of this element to the artificial biotope. However, certain ludwigia varieties, hygrophila, echinodorus, and cryptocorynes do not require a significant amount of carbon dioxide.

Lighting requirements

Lumens, a unit of measurement for light intensity, is the primary factor to consider. Other features, like spectrum, are significant but not as crucial. Both natural and artificial lighting are appropriate for Hygrophila Polysperma growth.

But the plant does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight. Shadow is preferable. The plant can withstand periods of prolonged shading, but this has a negative effect on its decorative characteristics.

Lighting intensity – from 70 to 100 lm / l. Duration of daylight – up to 12 hours. Fluorescent lamps are suitable for organizing artificial lighting at the rate of 0.5 W per 1 liter of tank volume.

Soil requirements

Planting Hygrophila Polysperma in naturally silted soil is advised.

There are enough nutrients there for the plant to grow and function normally.

Soil can be made of small pebbles or sand.

Need for feeding

Ground is the primary source of nutrition.

The application of soil fertilizers improves the aesthetics of plants by assisting in the horticultural process and shortening internodes.

Hygrophilas in large aquariums should be fed once a week at a rate of 2 grams per ten liters of water using a complex of mineral fertilizers. The concentration needs to be lowered by a factor of 100 when using solutions intended for garden crops.

Features of reproduction

When conditions are right, buds that form on leaf blades floating on the surface can produce daughter plants. But cuttings are the primary technique. After trimming off the top by 10 cm, the plant is buried.

The sprout will take root and start growing vigorously after ten days. It is believed that Hygrophila polysperma is a weed. It swiftly engulfs the aquarium and pushes aside neighboring crops.

Name variations

Dwarf Hygrophila and Indian Algae are other names for Hygrophila polysperma.

A truly amazing plant for any aquarium enthusiast is Hygrophila polysperma. It is a well-liked option for novice and experienced aquarists alike because of its vivid green leaves and flexible nature. This plant can flourish in a variety of environments and give your underwater landscape a lush, natural feel. It is a great addition to any aquarium setup because of its adaptability to different lighting and water conditions.

Hygrophila polysperma is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it also serves a practical purpose in keeping the aquarium environment healthy. It contributes to the development of a balanced ecosystem by giving fish and other aquatic life a place to live and food. Its quick growth also aids in the absorption of excess nutrients, which lowers the risk of algae issues and purifies the water.

It’s crucial to remember that this plant does have a propensity to spread quickly, so frequent trimming might be required to keep it in check and preserve the intended appearance of your tank. Hygrophila polysperma can flourish and add a splash of vivid, green beauty to your aquatic environment with a little love and care.

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