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HYGROPHILA SP. 'RED'

Hardiness: Moderate
Light Needs: High
Plant Structure: Stem
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Region: Asia
Location: Southeastern Asia
Size: Stem width: 5-20cm (2-8in)
Growth Rate: Slow
Can Be Grown Emersed: Yes

Description:

Hygrophila sp. 'Red' is a recently-discovered species from southeastern Asia. As it has only lately been introduced to the U.S. market, it is not yet very widespread within the aquatic plant hobby in North America. It is, however, available through the Asian aquatic plant nursery Oriental Aquariums.

Hygrophila sp. 'Red' is a heavily-branching, creeping plant which is reddish to brownish in color and is inclined to produce long leaves. It is relatively undemanding, but a nutritious substrate and good lighting produce larger and faster growth. Nitrate and phosphate fertilization will produce a slight acceleration in growth and will help to prevent the formation of spot algae on this species' leaves. CO2 supplementation is unnecessary. Lower nutrient levels tend to produce the best coloration in this species. H. sp. 'Red' develops an impressive root system.

Propagation is easy with this species since it develops many side shoots that can be trimmed and replanted. New shoots will also develop on any stem fragments that are left in the substrate.

Hygrophila sp. 'Red' is primarily suited to the foregrounds of medium- to large-sized aquaria. It is one of the only foreground plants available that is not primarily green in color, and stands of this species form an impressive contrast with plants of a bright green or red color.

Photo #1 Submersed: US and International Copyright 2004 by Ghazanfar Ghori All Rights Reserved.