Hygrophila guianensis

Overview: Native to South America, Hygrophila guianensis is a beautiful aquarium plant that you can select. It is a stem plant that is known for its tall, upright growth habit. The light green foliage that has the hues of yellow makes it more attractive. Due to its soft colors and delicate appearance, Hygrophila guianensis adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to the aquascape. Since it grows vertically, placing it as a background plant will be the right choice. It performs well under moderate and well-lit water conditions. It grows fast and can form dense clusters when trimmed in regular intervals.

Appearance: As already mentioned, Hygrophila guianensis is light green in color, wherein the foliage also exhibits the hues of yellow. However, the intensity of color depends upon the water conditions and light duration. The long leaves are lanceolate, which is spear-shaped and grow opposite to each other. They are slightly wavy on the sides, getting a more unique look. The tall stem can attain a height of around 30 to 50 cm, making Hygrophila guianensis a stunning background aquarium plant.

Hard/Soft Plant: Hygrophila guianensis is considered a hard plant. The leaves are strong enough to withstand the movements of fish. While it is adaptable, the performance escalates when the tank is enriched with carbon dioxide.

Ideal water temperature: The ideal temperature for Hygrophila guianensis to thrive is between 22°C – 28°C. When the water is stable and preferably on the warmer side, the plant flourishes. However, in cooler water temperatures, the growth may slow down or stun.

Lighting Conditions: Providing medium to high light conditions is one of the best ways to keep the foliage healthy and help attain true colors. When there is high light, the left gets brighter and vibrant, and plant growth gets more compact and denser. However, in case of low light, the plant becomes legs and pale.

Ideal pH level: Try to maintain a pH between 6 and 7.5. even though it can tolerate mild fluctuations, it is better to maintain stable conditions for the best results.

Other requirements: While most of the aquarium plants perform well despite giving additional carbon dioxide injection, Hygrophila guianensis need is for the best result. Therefore, carbon dioxide injection is highly recommended for optimal growth and color. In addition, you would need to provide it with a nutrient-rich substrate and liquid fertilizers, too. Also, regular pruning is necessary to help Hygrophila guianensis attain bushier growth.

Propagation: Hygrophila guianensis is a stem plant and can be easily propagated through stem cutting. All you need is to trim a healthy stem and replant it to the substrate. Over time, the roots will form, and in the nutrient-rich environment, the plant starts to proliferate. Make sure you maintain enough spacing between the plants to allow them to grow and get better light and flow. To encourage side shoots, frequent trimming is recommended.

Do you know: Aquarists often grow Hygrophila guianensis in the tank for its soft and delicate appearance? Just like other Hygrophila species, this plant also absorbs nitrate from the water and helps to keep it clean and check algae growth.