Dwarf Hygrophila (Hygrophila polisperma)

Dwarf Hygrophila

Hygrophila polisperma

It carpets aquatic beds with soft green, a quiet anchor for tank ecosystems. Aquatic herbaceous perennial; common names: dwarf hygrophila, Indian swampweed.

Partial sun
continuous/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Requires moderate to bright indirect light for submerged growth; avoid direct sunlight to prevent excess algae growth in aquariums
💧
Watering Fully submerged in freshwater; maintain stable water parameters with regular partial water changes to remove waste
🌡️
Temperature Thrives in tropical to warm temperate water; avoid sudden temperature drops below 15°C to prevent stress
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Opposite, linear to lanceolate; bright green when submerged, darker green when emersed
  • Stem: Slender, branching; develops adventitious roots at nodes when in contact with substrate
  • Flower: Small, pale blue to white; borne in axillary spikes on emersed stems
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Perform 20% partial water changes weekly to maintain water quality

Fertilization

Diluted liquid aquatic fertilizer every 2 weeks. Focus on iron and potassium supplements to support leaf color and growth

Composted banana peel leachate:Fully compost banana peels, steep in dechlorinated water for 24 hours, dilute 1:50 before adding to aquarium; avoid adding solid peels to prevent fouling
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown stems to maintain desired height and prevent shading of lower foliage
  • Remove yellowing or decaying leaves promptly to avoid water contamination
  • Propagate trimmed stems by replanting rooted nodes into aquatic substrate
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Aquarium foreground/midground plant; provides shelter for small aquatic organisms; aids in water nutrient uptake