Hygrophila corymbosa 'stricta' (Cherry leaf)

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' (Temple Plant) is a popular, fast-growing freshwater stem plant from Southeast Asia valued for its upright structure, bright green leaves, and easy care for beginners.

Care and Growth Requirements

Placement:

• Ideal for midground or background in medium to large tanks.
• Grows between 15–40 cm tall.

Lighting:

• Requires moderate to high lighting for optimal growth.
• Lower light conditions may result in leggy, sparse stems.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20–28°C.
• pH: 6.0–8.0.
• Suitable for soft to hard water conditions.

CO2 & Nutrients:

• CO2 is not mandatory, but it accelerates growth.
• Requires a nutrient-rich substrate or liquid fertilizers.
• Deficiencies in potassium or iron may cause leaf damage or yellowing.

Propagation and Maintenance

Pruning:

• Trim top shoots when they reach the water surface to encourage a bushy, dense shape.

Propagation:

• Cut healthy stems (10–15 cm) below a node and plant them directly into the substrate.

Emersed Growth:

• Can grow out of open aquariums, producing blue-green leaves and small violet-blue flowers.