Hygrophila

Hygrophila is a genus of aquatic stem plants in the family Acanthaceae, predominantly native to tropical wetlands across India and Southeast Asia. In the aquarium trade, H. polysperma is the most widespread species — one of the first plants beginners encounter — valued for its vigorous growth under moderate light even without CO2 supplementation. Stems elongate rapidly and are easily propagated by cutting and replanting trimmed portions. The genus offers considerable variety in leaf form and color, ranging from broad-leaved green species to delicately dissected and reddish cultivars. In aquascaping, hygrophilas serve as reliable background plants that provide lush green walls of vegetation, and their fast growth rate helps outcompete algae during tank cycling.