Hygrophila sp. 'Sarawak'

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This undescribed form of the genus Hygrophila comes from the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo. In nature, it populates the muddy and wet rocky banks of shallow forest streams. It is adapted to live both exposed to aerial humidity and completely submerged, a characteristic it shares with many other riverine species of Borneo's rich flora.

Taxonomy & Genetics: Commercially referred to as Hygrophila sp. 'Sarawak', it belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This form differs slightly from described variants of Hygrophila lancea in an even more bushy habit and shorter internodes. Genetically stable, it guarantees the maintenance of the brown

Color & Texture: ation and branched style if grown under ideal conditions.

Physical Structure: It develops highly branched stems that tend to form small compact bushes rather than growing only vertically. The leaves are arranged oppositely, are lanceolate in shape, and grow slightly arched downwards. The maximum height is usually between 15 and 20 centimeters, making it ideal for creating soft transitions in the layout.

Color & Texture: The color ranges from olive green to dark purplish-brown under strong light and in the presence of trace microelements. The leaf texture is smooth and slightly leathery to the touch. The combination of dark stems and bronze-purplish leaves offers a spectacular contrast when paired with light green plants such as ferns or mosses.

Lighting & CO2: Requires intense lighting to maintain short internodes and the characteristic brownish-purplish coloration. If light is weak, the plant tends to stretch vertically, losing its basal leaves. Constant CO2 injection (15-25 mg/l) is essential to support healthy bushy growth.

Nutrition & Substrate: A nutrient-rich substrate supports rapid rooting. It benefits greatly from constant liquid fertilization of the

Water Chemistry: Prefers soft and slightly acidic water (pH 5.0 - 7.0, KH 2-12 dKH), with water temperature between 18°C and 30°C. It is important to carry out regular water changes to remove suspended debris that could settle on the medium-growing leaves, blocking photosynthesis.

Space Management & Placement: Its perfect placement is in the midground of the aquarium. As a bushy plant, it should be positioned leaving some free space around it to prevent it from shading neighboring species or being shaded itself by taller background stems.

Pruning: Pruning must be done regularly by cutting the tops of the stems to stimulate lateral branching. The removed tops can be replanted directly in the substrate to expand the existing group. It is advisable to periodically thin the center of the bush to allow water circulation.

Risks & Diseases: It is sensitive to iron and potassium deficiencies, which manifest as holes on the leaves or yellowing of the new tops. The leathery leaves can accumulate brush or green spot algae if nutrients in the column are not stable or if water flow is insufficient.