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Hygrophila ‘Stricta’ is a hardy and fast-growing freshwater stem plant known for its long, broad green leaves and upright growth habit. It is an excellent background plant for community aquariums and planted aquascapes, particularly where a taller, leafy plant is required.

Its vigorous growth makes it useful for quickly filling out a new aquarium and providing cover for fish and shrimp. It can be planted as a dense group or allowed to grow naturally into a tall background feature.

Hygrophila ‘Stricta’ is relatively undemanding and can tolerate a wide range of aquarium conditions. It can grow without injected CO₂, although CO₂, good lighting and regular fertilisation can produce faster growth and larger, healthier leaves.

Regular trimming is recommended to keep the plant compact and encourage branching. Healthy cuttings can easily be replanted to create additional plants.

Quick Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Hygrophila corymbosa
• Common Name: Hygrophila ‘Stricta’, Temple Plant
• Type: Stem plant
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Growth Rate: Fast
• Difficulty: Easy
• Lighting: Low to Moderate
• CO₂: Optional, beneficial
• Placement: Background
• Growth Height: Approximately 20–50+ cm
• Water Temperature: 20–28°C
• pH: 6.0–8.0
• Water Hardness: Soft to hard
• Nutrients: Water-column fertiliser recommended
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Suitable For: Community aquariums, planted tanks and aquascapes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hygrophila ‘Stricta’ easy to grow?

Yes. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that can grow successfully under relatively low-tech aquarium conditions.

Does it need CO₂?

No. CO₂ is not essential, although supplementation can encourage faster growth and larger, healthier leaves.

How tall does Hygrophila ‘Stricta’ grow?

It can grow beyond 50 cm under favourable conditions, making it particularly useful as a background plant in medium and large aquariums.

How do I keep it compact?

Regular trimming encourages branching and allows you to maintain a dense, bushy group rather than a collection of tall, bare stems.

Can the trimmings be replanted?

Yes. Healthy cuttings can be pushed directly into the substrate, where they will develop roots and grow into new plants.

Is it suitable for beginner aquariums?

Yes. Its tolerance of different water conditions and relatively low requirements make it a good choice for beginners.

Common Mistakes

• Allowing the plant to grow without regular trimming.
• Planting it too densely and restricting lower leaves from receiving light.
• Failing to provide adequate nutrients during rapid growth.
• Expecting compact growth under very low lighting.
• Removing healthy tops instead of replanting them.
• Allowing tall stems to shade smaller plants underneath.