Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tank Plant Advice => Topic started by: dbaggie on March 10, 2014, 08:33:36 PM

Title: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: dbaggie on March 10, 2014, 08:33:36 PM
Hi, can anyone identify this plant? I think it's something like a Hygrophila Corymbosa but I'm not sure. It's grown like wildfire since I've had it my tank and its developed some extensive roots through the gravel (easily over a foot long). Whatever it is it would seem to be a good plant for beginners as I've haven't had to do anything to help it!
Title: Re: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: ColinB on March 10, 2014, 08:55:27 PM
That certainly looks like the Hygrophila corymbosa that I've got. Like you say - it grows like buggery (technical term) and is very good at removing nitrates - as is Hygrophila polysperma.... which I've just bought a clump of and will be planting out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: SteveS on March 10, 2014, 09:07:32 PM
I agree. The problem is that h corymbosa has about 6-8 different varieties which can make identification difficult. But many Hygrophilia belong to the "grow like buggery" group, including corymbosa and polysperma.
Title: Re: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: dbaggie on March 10, 2014, 09:16:15 PM
That certainly looks like the Hygrophila corymbosa that I've got. Like you say - it grows like buggery (technical term) and is very good at removing nitrates - as is Hygrophila polysperma.... which I've just bought a clump of and will be planting out tomorrow.

I agree. The problem is that h corymbosa has about 6-8 different varieties which can make identification difficult. But many Hygrophilia belong to the "grow like buggery" group, including corymbosa and polysperma.

Ah, so I'm guessing from your subtle clues that it grows like buggery?  ;D

Is the best way to propagate a plant like this to simply cut the stem and re-plant the cutting or is it a little more delicate?
Title: Re: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: SteveS on March 10, 2014, 10:50:17 PM
Stem plants such as these will generally grow from cuttings.

Hygrophilia polysperma actually produces roots from the nodes where leaves grow from the stems. If you snip just below a growth of roots, the cutting will be off and running.
Title: Re: Plant identification - Hygrophila?
Post by: ColinB on March 11, 2014, 08:06:11 AM
Stem plants such as these will generally grow from cuttings.

Hygrophilia polysperma actually produces roots from the nodes where leaves grow from the stems. If you snip just below a growth of roots, the cutting will be off and running.

H. corymbosa does that, too.