Plant atlas

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This classic aquarium plant is native to Southeast Asia, where it is widely distributed in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In nature, it populates freshwater wetlands, marshes, ditches, and the shores of slow-flowing channels and rivers. It grows spontaneously both submerged and emersed on the wet soils of alluvial plains, showing extraordinary adaptability to seasonal environmental transitions.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Hygrophila stricta belongs to the Acanthaceae family and is often considered a variant or synonym of Hygrophila corymbosa (commonly referred to as Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta'). Its genetics are exceptionally stable and characterized by a marked rusticity. No complex selection is necessary to maintain its broad leaves and thick stem, making it one of the most stable plants in the hobby.

Physical Structure: It develops very thick, rigid, and robust vertical stems, which can reach considerable heights of up to 40-50 cm in the aquarium. The leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem and are large, lanceolate or elliptical, with pointed tips and entire margins. The plant has a robust and majestic habit, which quickly fills the available vertical space.

Color & Texture: The color of the leaves is a very fresh and saturated apple green or bright green. Under strong lighting and with adequate iron-based fertilization, the upper tops of the leaves can assume warm coppery or bronze hues. The leaf texture is smooth, with very evident light green main veins that create a light geometric pattern on the blade surface.

Lighting & CO2: Grows optimally under moderate lighting, but responds positively to intense light by producing more compact leaves and coppery colorations. CO2 supplementation is not mandatory for its survival, making it perfect for low-tech setups for beginners, although it accelerates vegetative development.

Nutrition & Substrate: Being a vigorous and medium-fast growing plant, it requires a good supply of nutrients. A fertile substrate helps the development of its imposing root system, but regular liquid fertilization of the

Water Chemistry: Shows exceptional tolerance to chemical parameters, adapting to pH levels between 6.0 and 7.5 and to both soft and hard water. The ideal water temperature is between 18°C and 28°C. Regular water changes promote healthy growth and keep the water clean, avoiding the sedimentation of debris on the broad foliage.

Space Management & Placement: Its natural placement is in the background of the aquarium. Due to its large leaves and robust stems, it must be planted in large areas and not in the foreground. It is advisable to space the stems a few centimeters apart to allow light to penetrate to the base of the stem.

Pruning: Pruning is done by cutting the top of the stems. The remaining stem will quickly produce two or more lateral branches from the node below the cut, creating a denser bush. Cut tops can be replanted directly in the substrate to propagate the species.

Risks & Diseases: The most common problem is potassium deficiency, which manifests quickly as small round holes on older leaves leading to their drop. Also, if the plant reaches the water surface, it will start to grow in emersed form, producing darker, stiffer leaves and purple flowers in the leaf axils, but shading the submerged part.