Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)

Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa) key facts

Growing Difficulty

Beginner-friendly

Lifespan

Perennial; maintained by cuttings

Size

20–30 cm tall or more

Temperature

24〜28℃

Watering

Prefers nutrient-rich water and substrate

Lighting

Tolerates low light but colours better in brighter light.

CO2 & Fertilizer

CO2 is optional but beneficial; iron levels affect leaf colour.

Water Temperature & Quality

Optimum 24–28°C; adapts to pH 5.5–7.5 and KH 2–18°dH.

Substrate & Attachment

Strip the lowest 5 cm of leaves and plant stems individually, spaced apart.

Trimming & Propagation

Fast-growing, so trim often; the cut tops root quickly when replanted.

Cautions

Lower leaves tend to drop once it grows above the surface. Never release plants into the wild.

About Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)

Hygrophila corymbosa (Temple plant) is a fast-growing stem plant with broad, bright green leaves. Easy to trim and bush out, it's a beginner-friendly aquarium plant available in several leaf-form varieties like 'Siamensis'.

7 things to know before growing Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)

1. 1Plenty of light helps it fill in

   This large stem plant colors up and grows more compact when light levels are good. It tolerates weaker light without dying, but the stems tend to stretch out and look leggy.

2. 2Regular water changes matter

   Because it grows quickly, this plant is also quick to show the effects of declining water quality or nutrient shortages. Changing part of the water every one to two weeks helps keep conditions stable and the leaves healthy.

3. 3A nutrient-rich substrate helps

   Hygrophila corymbosa takes up nutrients through its roots as well as its leaves, so a nutrient-rich substrate such as aqua soil supports better growth. Supplementing with liquid or root fertilizer can help prevent deficiencies as the plant grows large.

4. 4Trim to keep it bushy

   Cutting back stems before they get too tall encourages several side shoots to sprout, giving the plant a fuller, bushier shape. The trimmed top sections can simply be replanted as cuttings to start new plants. A close relative, Hygrophila polysperma, is on Japan's list of invasive alien species, so treat this plant the same way: never release it outdoors, and drain surplus plants and trimmings and throw them away with household waste rather than dumping them in rivers or ponds.

5. 5Flowers appear above water

   Grown fully submersed, it produces the typical aquarium-leaf form, but stems that reach above the waterline can shift to an emersed leaf form and occasionally produce fragrant purple flowers. The submersed and emersed leaves look somewhat different from each other.

6. 6CO2 is optional, not required

   This plant is sturdy enough to grow without added CO2, but supplementing it tends to make growth more consistent. If you're using strong lighting, adding CO2 helps keep light and nutrient uptake in better balance.

7. 7Pick a firm, sturdy stem

   When choosing a plant, look for one with short internodes, deep leaf color, and a stem free of blackening or melting — these settle into a new tank more reliably. Plants with less leaf damage also tend to resume steady growth sooner.

Frequently asked questions about Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)

Q.Is it suitable for beginners?

A.Yes, it's generally considered a beginner-friendly aquarium plant. It's hardy and fast-growing, so as long as you keep up with basic water changes and lighting, it grows without major issues.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.It's a large stem plant that reaches a height of 20 to 30 cm or more. Since it grows quickly, trimming it back periodically to suit your tank size makes it much easier to manage.

Q.Does it flower?

A.It won't flower while grown fully submersed, but stems grown above the waterline can produce fragrant purple flowers. The emersed leaves that form above water also look a little different from the submersed ones.

Q.How can I propagate it?

A.The easiest way is to replant the trimmed top cuttings back into the substrate. Since it's a perennial, this cutting method also works well for keeping a healthy plant going over the long term.

Q.How does it differ from other forms?

A.Several forms are sold, including the 'Siamensis' type, which differ slightly in leaf width and color. Basic care requirements and difficulty level are similar across forms, so you can simply choose one based on the leaf look you prefer.

Handy Growing Tools for Temple plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)

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