Hygrophila Corymbosa

Hygrophila corymbosa is an Asian stem plant with large leaves and thick stems. Its leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, are lance-shaped and can reach 10–12 cm in length. As the light gets stronger, the top leaves take on a bronze-brown tone. It grows fast and quickly fills the background in large aquariums.

It is an easy plant: it lives in an aquarium without CO₂, in medium light and across a wide range of water parameters. Many forms are found in the trade: 'Angustifolia' has long, very narrow leaves, 'Kompakt' has short internodes and stays lower, and plants sold as 'Siamensis' are also mostly forms of this species.

• Stems are planted one by one with 4–5 cm between them; it needs plenty of room because its large leaves shade neighboring plants.
• The lower leaves are removed and the thick stem is buried 4–5 cm deep.
• It looks best in the background of aquariums of 60 liters or more, in groups of 3–5 stems.

• Light: Medium; in strong light the leaves become denser and more colorful.
• CO₂: Not required; if added, growth speeds up noticeably.
• Fertilizer: Its nutrient demand is high; root tabs and regular liquid fertilizer are recommended.
• Trimming: Cut from the top. Two side shoots grow from the cut point; if not trimmed regularly, the stems reach the surface and spread horizontally.

It is propagated by top cuttings. The cut tops root within a few days. Stems lying on the substrate can also produce new plants from their nodes.

• Holes in the leaves and yellowing edges: Potassium deficiency; this species shows nutrient deficiencies early.
• Pale new leaves: Iron deficiency.
• Lower leaves dropping: Shading or insufficient light.
• Nibbled leaves: Silver dollars, some large cichlids and apple snails eat its soft leaves.