Great for jungle, Nature Aquarium, and background-heavy layouts
Its dense stems quickly create lush green plant sections.
One of the easiest plants for beginner aquarists
It adapts well to many aquarium conditions.
Bright vibrant green foliage
The fresh leaf color brings energy and brightness to planted tanks.
Rapid stem growth fills aquascapes quickly
Healthy stems can transform empty backgrounds in a short time.
Helps build dense plant backgrounds
Large groups create natural underwater plant forests.
Origin: Southeast Asia
Type: Stem plant
Growth Rate: Very Fast
Size: Height: 30–50 cm (12–20 in) Width: 10–15 cm (4–6 in)
Natural Habitat: Hygrophila polysperma grows along riverbanks, marshes, and seasonal floodplains where nutrient-rich sediments allow extremely rapid growth.
Special Considerations: Because of its fast growth, regular pruning is recommended to prevent it from overshadowing slower plants. It tolerates a wide range of lighting and water conditions.
Did You Know?
Hygrophila polysperma is one of the fastest-growing aquarium plants known. In ideal conditions it can grow several centimeters per week, which is why aquarists often use it to stabilize newly established aquariums by absorbing excess nutrients.
Tank Size: 30 L (8 gallons) or larger recommended, as this plant grows rapidly and can fill space quickly.
Plant Placement: Typically planted in the background, where its fast growth forms dense green vegetation. It combines well with colorful plants such as Rotala red blood or Alternanthera reineckii, while midground plants like Cryptocoryne wendtii or Staurogyne repens help create a layered aquascape. Foreground carpets such as dwarf hairgrass can further enhance depth.
Compatibility:Very suitable for active community aquariums with zebra danios, rasboras, guppies, Corydoras catfish, shrimp, and snails. Its thick vegetation offers shelter for young livebearer fry, while shrimp such as Neocaridina and Amano shrimp frequently forage among the leaves. Bright green foliage also contrasts nicely with orange fish like platies and swordtails.
Substrate: Grows well in most aquarium substrates including sand, gravel, or planted soil. While nutrient-rich substrates promote faster growth, plants can also thrive in inert substrates when supplemented with root fertilizers such as Osmocote Fertilizer Capsules or liquid fertilizers to maintain balanced nutrition.
Light: Moderate lighting (30–60 PAR) for 8–10 hours daily.
Temperature: 22–28 °C (72–82 °F)
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water (2–12 dGH)
CO₂: Optional.
Care & Propagation: Regular trimming helps control growth and maintain dense plant groups. Replanting healthy cuttings easily produces new plants.
Portion Size 1 carefully selected stem bundle (typically 10–12 stems), freshly trimmed and ready for aquarium planting.
Plant Size Stems are usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall at the time of packaging.
Plant Type Submerged-grown aquarium stem plants, ready to plant directly into aquarium substrate.
Snail-Free & Aquarium Safe Plants are grown without chemicals that could harm fish, shrimp, or other aquarium inhabitants and are carefully inspected to ensure they are snail-free.
Transition After Shipping Some leaves may melt or change appearance after planting as the plant adapts to new aquarium conditions. This is a normal transition and new submerged growth will develop shortly.
Planting Guide
- 1.Remove the protective plastic packaging.
- 2.Gently remove the filter floss and rubber band holding the stems together.
- 3.Rinse the stems gently with clean water.
- 4.Separate the bundle into individual stems.
- 5.Plant each stem about 2–3 cm (1–1.5 in) deep into the substrate.
- 6.Leave small spacing between stems so they have room to grow and spread.
- 7.If a stem floats out, plant it slightly deeper or at a slight angle to help it anchor.
Tip
Aquascaping tweezers from our aquascaping tool set can make planting stem plants easier and allow precise placement in the substrate.
