Hygrophila sp. "Creeping"

This small, creeping stem plant emerged some years ago in the rarity trade as Staurogyne sp. 'Brown' or also Staurogyne repens 'Brown'. However, in our opinion it is a Hygrophila because the emersed plant shows striking resemblance to Hygrophila polysperma and does not have the characteristics of Staurogyne species, let alone S. repens. As there is already another undetermined Hygrophila with the trading name "Brown", we name it Hygrophila sp. "Creeping". It is alleged on some websites that the plant is native to South America, but we are confident that it originates from tropical Asia. This yet unidentified Hygro is a remarkable aquarium plant novelty that features creeping to broadly bushy growth, a colour play from green to red-brown as well as quite simple culture. The elongate-elliptic, soft leaves are slightly wavy. The light midrib contrasts nicely with the surrounding, darker leaf area. Hygrophila sp. "Creeping" has apparently no special demands, however it looks best with rather strong lighting and good nutrient and CO₂ supply. The initially quite slow growth accelerates with time. To plant a carpet, set single stems or small bunches with some space to each other. They will grow together with time. It is necessary to trim very dense stands in time. The plant is easily propagated by stem cuttings. There are only few carpeting foreground plants with red-brown tones, and Hygrophila sp. "Creeping" is among them. Similar to the pure green Staurogyne repens, it can be used as a ground cover or broad, low bush in the foreground to midground. With its coloration, it offers interesting options for the combination with other low plants with contrasting texture and colours.

Also known as "Staurogyne sp. 'Brown'" Little known novelty Green to brown tones Low, carpet-forming

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