Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis'

This large stem plant from Thailand is popular for a long time due to its frugality. In contrast to "normal" broadleaf Hygrophila corymbosa, its submerged leaves are lanceolate. They may reach a length of about 16 cm and a with of about 3.5 cm, with coarsely wavy edges. The upper side is light to medium green, the underside greyish green. Strong lighting may lead to slightly bronze tones. Well developed shoots are up to 25 cm wide. The strong, about 3 to 5 mm thick stem grows upright and is densely set with leaves. The emersed plant has blueish green leaves and ramified inflorescences with little purple flowers in the leaf axils. Hygrophila corymbosa "Siamensis" is content with medium lighting and tolerates hard water, however it benefits from good macro- and micronutrient supply, also via the substrate. CO₂ addition is not necessary but improves greatly its growth. Due to its fast growth, regular trimming is necessary when emersed growth is not wanted. The plant is easily propagated by cuttings. This amphibious plant from Thailand looks especially well in large aquariums, as a stand in the midground to background. As an undemanding, fast growing plant, it is recommended for beginners and newly set up tanks. It fits well in Dutch style planted tanks and Asia-themed biotope aquariums. It is also interesting as emersed, flowering plant in open tanks, paludariums and Wabi-Kusa. Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' is a very robust aquarium plant, easy to obtain as well as easy to cultivate. It is one of many varieties of Hygrophila corymbosa, a very variable species that is found in all of Southeast Asia. H. corymbosa 'Siamensis' can be kept in almost any aquarium, except in too small or too poorly lit a tank. It doesn't have high requirements regarding lighting and nutrient supply, and it tolerates a wide range of water hardness and temperatures. However, if the light intensity in relation to iron supply is too high it may develop symptoms of iron deficiency-green leaf nerves in yellowish leaf tissue. A lack of macronutrients may stunt its growth. Therefore one should make sure this plant, though hardy, is supplied with nutrients just like any other aquarium plant. When the nutrient supply is good and the light intense, H. corymbosa 'Siamensis' assumes a slight bronze-coloured hue. Beginning keepers of emersed aquarium plants will find that H. corymbosa 'Siamensis' is a very suitable plant as it is highly adaptable to different environmental conditions. The emersed form should be fertilised similar to the submersed plant. If everything is done right, the emersed plant will soon sprout beautiful purple flowers. H. corymbosa 'Siamensis' is a beautiful plant for the middle- to background of any aquarium. It is a fast grower, though, and needs to be cut back regularly. Propagation is easy-just cut off a shoot and replant it; if you cut off the top shoot you can control the growth of the plant, at least a bit, and induce ramification, as it will sprout even more lateral shoots. A terraced group of stems of different length is a very nice eyecatcher. H. corymbosa 'Siamensis' is especially suited for Asian-themed tanks and biotope tanks. Together with Cryptocorynes and schooling cyprinids like Trigonostigma espei or T. heteromorpha, this Hygrophila brings a very natural touch to the aquarium.

Flowgrow

Light green, lanceolate leaves Upright habit Fast growing Very hardy and undemanding Easily flowering in emersed culture

Nomaphila siamensis C. B. Clarke

Hygróphila corymbósa (Blume) Lindau

Acanthaceae

Hygrophila

Hygrophila siamensis

Background

very easy

fast

need

5-7

18-30℃

2-18 dKH

0-30 °dGH

Cuttings

yes