{"product_id":"hygrophilia-vert","title":"Hygrophila Verticillata","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout Hygrophila Verticillata\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHygrophila Verticillata is a striking and unique stem plant known for its long, narrow leaves that grow in attractive whorls around the stem, creating a soft, starburst appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, this fast-growing aquatic plant is highly regarded by aquascapers for adding texture, height, and movement to the background of planted aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnder optimal conditions, Hygrophila Verticillata develops lush green foliage with dense leaf whorls that gently sway in the current, creating a natural riverbank effect. Its rapid growth makes it an excellent nutrient absorber, helping to reduce excess nitrates and discourage nuisance algae in newly established and mature planted tanks alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHygrophila Verticillata performs best in nutrient-rich substrates with moderate to high lighting. While CO₂ injection is not essential, it significantly enhances growth rate, leaf density, and overall appearance. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth, allowing aquascapers to create dense background hedges or dramatic focal points.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis hardy plant provides excellent shelter for shrimp, fry, and small community fish while adding vibrant greenery to virtually any freshwater aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast-growing, adaptable, and visually impressive, Hygrophila Verticillata is an outstanding background plant for both beginner and advanced planted aquarium enthusiasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHygrophila verticillata\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHygrophila Verticillata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoutheast Asia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlant Type\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStem Plant\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eGrowth Rate\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to High\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCO₂ Required\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo (recommended for best growth)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.0–7.8\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2–15 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlacement\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackground\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlanted aquariums, nature aquariums, Dutch aquascapes, shrimp tanks, and community aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Hygrophila Verticillata suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. It is a hardy, forgiving plant that grows well in a wide range of aquarium conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes Hygrophila Verticillata require CO₂?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It grows successfully without CO₂, although supplementation produces faster growth, denser foliage, and larger leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I propagate Hygrophila Verticillata?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimply trim healthy stems and replant the cuttings into the substrate. New roots will quickly develop from the stem nodes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are the lower leaves falling off?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLower leaves may drop if the plant is shaded by upper growth or if lighting is insufficient. Regular trimming allows light to reach the lower portions of the plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs Hygrophila Verticillata good for shrimp tanks?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Its dense foliage provides excellent shelter, grazing surfaces for biofilm, and protection for shrimplets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eInsufficient lighting\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow light can result in elongated stems, sparse leaf growth, and leaf drop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNeglecting regular trimming\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWithout trimming, the plant may become tall and sparse. Frequent pruning encourages dense, bushy growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor nutrient availability\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a fast-growing stem plant, Hygrophila Verticillata benefits from regular fertilisation, particularly iron and macronutrients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePlanting stems too closely together\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAllow adequate spacing to improve water circulation and light penetration between stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIgnoring algae growth\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining balanced nutrients, appropriate lighting, and good circulation will help prevent algae from developing on the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48856347246731,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/imagegen.jpg?v=1786079658","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/hygrophilia-vert","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}