Giant hygrophila

Quick facts

Max height

50 cm

Growth rate

fast

Difficulty

beginner

Placement

background

Propagation

stem cuttings

Water parameters

Temperature

20–28°C

pH

6.0 to 8.0

Hardness

3 to 20 dGH

Light and nutrients

Lighting

medium

CO2

not required, but boosts growth and color

Substrate

any

Feeding

feeds from both water column and roots (liquid ferts plus root tabs)

Substrate

What this plant roots into (or attaches to). The substrate affects both plant nutrition and water chemistry; see each linked page for full effects.

This plant feeds primarily from the water column, so substrate choice matters more for its fish-tank compatibility than for plant nutrition.

With fish

Plant-eating fish

will be eaten by mollies, silver dollars, large goldfish, and other plant-grazers

Diggers (corydoras, loaches)

fine - root system or attachment style handles it

Root-disturbing fish

sensitive to root disturbance, plant where roots stay undisturbed

Habitat

Native to Southeast Asia, found in marshes, ditches, rice paddies, and slow-moving waterways. The species (Hygrophila corymbosa, sometimes sold as Nomaphila stricta or Nomaphila corymbosa) is a large, robust stem plant with broad, lance-shaped leaves (5–12 cm long) arranged in opposite pairs. Emersed (above-water) stems are thick, woody, and can reach 50 cm tall; submerged stems produce thinner, lighter green leaves. This is one of the largest commonly available aquarium stem plants and is sometimes called 'temple plant' or 'giant hygro' because of its imposing size. Several named forms exist in the trade, including 'Stricta', 'Siamensis', 'Compact', and 'Thailand'. The plant has been a staple of the aquarium hobby since the 1960s.

Care notes

Easy stem plant for large tanks (100 L) where its size is proportionate. In smaller tanks, it grows to the surface and creates heavy shade within weeks. Moderate to high light, no CO2 required though it responds well to injection. Growth is fast under good conditions: 10–20 cm per week, requiring weekly trimming to maintain shape. The thick stems and large leaves give it a bold, structural presence that few other stem plants match. Plant stems in groups of 3-5, pushed into the substrate with 2-3 nodes buried. The buried nodes root quickly. Trim tops and replant to propagate; the cut lower stems produce side shoots. Nutrient demands are moderate; liquid fertilizer and occasional root tabs support healthy, dark green leaves. Without enough nutrients (especially iron and potassium), older leaves develop pinholes and yellow margins. Temperature: 22–28°C. pH 6.0-7.5. Tolerates a range of hardness. The plant grows emersed easily and flowers with purple-blue blooms above the water line, making it suitable for open-top tanks and paludariums. A classic beginner stem plant that provides mass and structure. In outdoor ponds in warm climates (USDA zones 9+), giant hygro grows as a marginal or emergent plant with thick, woody stems and attractive purple flowers. Can become weedy in tropical waterways if it escapes cultivation.

Further reading

• How to cycle a fish tank
• Water chemistry for fishkeepers: pH, GH, KH, and what they mean