Description

Hygrophila polysperma is the most forgiving stem plant there is: it grows in practically any conditions, with low light, no CO2 and in hard water, and does so at a speed that makes it the best ally of a newly set up tank. That same virtue is its problem in some places: it is classified as an invasive species in the United States and several European countries, and its sale is banned.
Scientific name
Hygrophila polysperma
Position
Rear
Difficulty
Easy
Natural grow
High
Max height
40 cm

🌊 Water parameters

pH
6 - 8
GH
3 - 18
Temperature
20 - 28 °C
Current
Low or moderate

Requirements

Light requirements
Low
Light spectrum requirements
6000 - 8000 (Kelvin)
Require CO2
no
Soil requirements
Inert or nutritious sustrate

Habitats

Sources

  • GBIF
    GBIF Secretariat (2026). GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Checklist dataset. https://doi.org/10.15468/39omei. Consultado vía GBIF.org, 2026-08. Hygrophila polysperma.

Taxonomy verified.

The aquarium care values (light, substrate, CO2 and water ranges) have no citable source: GBIF supports the taxonomy and distribution, not the cultivation. A source for plants is still to be agreed.