Hygrophila balsamica
(L.fil.) Raf.
—
Height in the aquarium
medium to high
Light
high
CO₂ needs
24–28 °C
Ideal temperature
Water parameters
Understand these values- Position
- midground
- Propagation
- cuttings
- Grows emersed
- yes
In the wild
Overview
This Hygrophila from India and Sri Lanka can form a large, light green, much-branched stand. Trimming lets you either encourage a dense bush or keep more vertical stems. Its fast growth adds volume to the background but needs a lot of space and regular care.
- Scientific name
- Hygrophila balsamica (L.fil.) Raf.
- Classification
- Lamiales › Acanthaceae
- IUCN Red List
- Not evaluated (NE)
Natural habitat
South Asia
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
- Native countries
- Introduced by people
No introduction reported outside its native range.
Countries: Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP). Dots: GBIF observations in the native countries.
In the aquarium
Growing in the aquarium
Provide good light, CO₂ and available nutrients, especially iron. The source reports toxicity to animals for some old emersed strains, while noting that recent commercial strains differ on this point. Check the batch and how it was grown before adding it to a stocked tank. Take cuttings from the many side shoots.
Sources:Flowgrow GBIF POWO (Kew) · Base map: Natural Earth