Hygrophila Plant Care: How To Grow Hygrophila In An Aquarium

Looking for a low maintenance but attractive plant for your home aquarium? Check out the Hygrophila genus of aquatic plants. There are many species, and while not all are cultivated and easy to find, you’ll be able to track down several options from your local aquarium supplier or nursery. Hygrophila plant care is easy in freshwater tanks.

What are Hygrophila Aquarium Plants?

Hygrophila in an aquarium makes a nice decorative element, adding depth, color, texture, and places for your fish to hide and explore. The genus contains several species of aquatic flowering plants that grow mostly submerged in fresh water. They are native to tropical regions. Some of the species you’ll easily find include:

• H. Difformis: This is native to Asia and is great for beginners. It grows up to 12 inches (31 cm.) tall and helps prevent the formation of algae. The leaves are fern-like.
• H. corymbose: Also easy to grow, this species does require a little pruning. Without taking off new growth regularly, it will begin to look bushy and messy.
• H. costata: This is the only species of hygrophila native to North America. It needs bright light.
• H. polysperma: One of the most common species in aquarium cultivation, you’ll find this plant in most supply stores. It is native to India and very easy to grow. Unfortunately, it has become a problematic invasive in Florida, but it works well in aquariums.

Do Fish Eat Hygrophila?

Fish species that are herbivores will likely eat the hygrophila you plant in your freshwater aquarium. If you are mostly interested in cultivating plants, choose fish that won’t do too much damage.

On the other hand, you can plant hygrophila and other types of plants with the intent of feeding your fish with them. Hygrophila grows pretty fast, so if you plant enough in the aquarium, you should find that it keeps up with the rate of fish feeding.

The species of fish you choose also makes a difference. Certain fish grow rapidly and eat a lot. Avoid silver dollars, monos, and Buenos Aires tetra, all of which will devour any plants you put in the aquarium.

How to Grow Hygrophila

Hygrophila fish tank growing is simple enough. In fact, it’s hard to make mistakes with these plants, which are very forgiving. It can tolerate most types of water, but you may want to add a trace mineral supplement once in a while.

For substrate, use gravel, sand, or even soil. Plant into the substrate and watch it grow. Most species look and grow best with occasional pruning. Also, be sure that your plants have a good light source. 

These species of water plants are not native to the U.S., so avoid using them outdoors unless you can contain them. For instance, grow hygrophila in containers that you set in your pond to make sure they don’t spread and take over native wetlands.