People treat Hygrophila corymbosa like decoration. It is closer to a slow, quiet pet that responds to the water you keep. The Hygrophila corymbosa Hygrophila corymbosa is a workhorse plant for a reason: it tolerates a wide range of conditions and still looks good doing it.

At a glance

Lightmedium
Temperature22 to 30 °C
pH6.0 to 7.5
Height30 to 60 cm
CO₂not required
Growthfast

Planting

Plant Hygrophila corymbosa with the crown or rhizome clear of the substrate — burying it rots the base. In a 25-gallon tank, position it mid-ground or background depending on its height. Weaker setups do fine; pair it with our camallanus worms in a planted tank guide for a layered look.

Light and CO₂

Run 9 hours of light a day on a timer to avoid algae swings. Hygrophila corymbosa grows under medium light and not required, though a small, steady dose of liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks pushes denser growth.

Propagation

Stem cuttings root in substrate readily.

Common issues

Yellowing lower leaves usually mean a nutrient gap, not too little light. Trim dying leaves at the base, keep nitrates around 10 to 20 ppm, and avoid moving the plant every week — a solid tiger lotus for beginners explains why stability beats tinkering.

Low-light reality

Under low light the Hygrophila corymbosa grows slower and stays compact, which is ideal for a low-tech tank. Run 8 hours of light on a timer and skip CO₂; a light liquid fertiliser every few weeks is enough.