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Hygrophila polysperma

Fast-growing, easy-care stem plant for beginners and new aquariums

Regular price
£7.99
Regular price
Sale price
£7.99

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    Quick Facts

    Rating:

    Common name:

    Origin: Asia

    Position in Aquarium: Mid/background

    Grows up to (cm): 50 cm

    Pot Size: 5 cm

    Growth rate: Fast

    Description

    Hygrophila polysperma is one of the easiest and most widely kept stem plants in the aquarium hobby, producing pairs of small, oval, light-green leaves along rapidly growing stems. Its minimal demands and fast growth rate make it a staple plant for beginners and a reliable background filler in established aquariums of all sizes.

    It grows vigorously under low light without CO2 injection and tolerates a wide range of water parameters. New aquariums benefit from Hygrophila polysperma during the cycling phase — its fast nutrient uptake helps control algae and stabilise water quality while other, slower-growing plants become established.

    Supplied as an established potted plant, Hygrophila polysperma suits aquariums from 50 litres upward as a background plant. Regular trimming prevents it from reaching the surface and encourages the dense, bushy growth that makes it such a useful and visually pleasing background plant for any style of aquarium.

    Plant Sizes

    You’ll receive a healthy, rooted plant in a pot, similar to those shown. Each one is hand-checked before dispatch.

    Shipping

    Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 4pm, Monday to Friday. Tracked 24 Service from £4.99, DPD Express from £6.99.

    Hygrophila polysperma (Indian Swampweed) Aquafleur
    Potted Hygrophila polysperma plant with descriptive text on a white background
    Aquarium plant Hygrophila polysperma with text on its benefits for beginners.
    Potted plant with text about fast growth and easy results on a white background
    Hydrophyllum plant in a pot with text about its benefits for aquarium setups.
    Hydrophyllum plant with planting tips on a white background
    Hygrophila polysperma (Indian Swampweed) Aquafleur

    Customers praised this fast-growing aquarium plant as "excellent for beginners" with "rapid growth" that often requires weekly trimming. Shoppers noted it "grows like crazy" and thrives in various conditions, even without CO2. Most received plants in "excellent condition" with strong packaging. However, some noted delivery delays affected plant health, and a few found initial size smaller than expected.

    • Growth is very fast in my tank and needs trimming weekly. A good beginner plant
    • Plants arrive in very good condition and well packed and are growing very well now 2 inches taller
    • This plant is certainly a weed it grows very rapidly, within three weeks it was 4 times the height!
    • 5 stars: 85 (84%)
    • 4 stars: 12 (12%)
    • 3 stars: 2 (2%)
    • 2 stars: 2 (2%)
    • 1 star: 0 (0%)
    P
    PHILLIP H. (Bournemouth, GB)
    fish tank

    plants arrive in very good condition and well packed and are growing very well now 2 inches taller

    I
    Ian H.
    Review

    Excellent plant. growth is very fast in my tank and needs trimming weekly
    A good beginner plant

    s
    sharon G.
    Review

    This did not last long think it was due to the Royal Mail strike we had as took alot longer for delivery, died very quickly, have purchased before but will stick to my other plants I purchase, always packaged very well.

    S
    Shaun B.
    Review

    first class plant...happily thriving in my tank.

    D
    David D.
    Review

    Great background plant grows quick

    J
    John H.
    Review

    First class plants, expertly packed to ensure no damage during transit.

    D
    David D.
    Review

    Great background plant in a good substrate it grows well and quick I don’t use co2

    D
    David D.
    Review

    Great plant for background grows quick

    D
    David D.
    Review

    This for me is a great plant put it in the back of my tank and it’s growing like crazy

    S
    Sarah J.
    Review

    Arrived quickly and plant was in lovely condition

    R
    Ron H.
    Review

    usual AE standard -great.

    D
    David W.
    Review

    Growing really well +good quality plant.

    G
    Gillian S.
    Review

    Doing well, as it always does! It clearly likes my tank conditions (22 deg with not much, but some, direct sunlight).

    C
    Customer
    Review

    Basic packaging but appears in good health.

    C
    Customer
    Review

    Lovely healthy plants an fish love them

    D
    Darren L.
    Review

    Arrived on time and in excellent condition. Lots of stems in one pot. Great product and service!

    S
    Simon W.
    Review

    Excellent plant arrived quickly in good condition and thriving

    A
    ALFRED P.
    Review

    An easy to grow plant i my aquariums one of my favourites.

    A
    ALFRED P.
    Review

    Very happy with my recent purchase of my order from Aquaessentials, the Hygrophila polysperma arrived in excellent condition.

    G
    Gillian S.
    Review

    Not sure what happened this time, but they have lost half of their leaves. Maybe the fishes are eating them? What leaves remain at top and bottom of the stems look very healthy. These were always vigorous plants that provided a lot of screening if the fishes needed some downtime. I will have to wait and see if they regrow.

    G
    Gillian S.
    Review

    Another plant to stick with. This one is ideal for deeper tanks, providing shelter for the fishes, and it creates a lovely background to the tank. The larger size means the pots are robust enough not to be knocked over by boisterous behaviour too!

    j
    jhon s.s.
    Review

    growing well good buy good value

    G
    George K.J.
    Review

    I did not get the above plant as it was substituted for hygrophila rosae Australia, this plant was in good condition and well packed. Not been in the tank long enough to comment on growth.

    P
    Paul H.
    Review

    Plant arrived in good condition and has grown really well in the tank. Would definitely buy again

    A
    Alison J.
    Review

    Received a good healthy plant that once planted in tank is doing really well. Great value too

    G
    Gillian S.
    Review

    Wow! This is one happy plant! Growing well, and providing lots of interest for the fishes. They now have lots of lovely hiding places. This was a good choice, but only suitable for deeper tanks, as they are very tall.

    G
    Gillian S.
    Review

    These lovely little plants are doing fantastically well! They evidently love the temperature in our aquaria. In fact, they've grown so tall already, they're sticking up above the water level. I prefer the botanical name for them, but maybe there's logic in the common name!

    P
    Pamela D.
    Review

    Arrived in quickly and in excellent condition. Was extremely well packaged. Excellent growth since going in the tank. Would definitely buy from Aqua Essentials in the future and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others.

    D
    Dhuz G.
    Review

    Loves to grow. Great coverage for fish. They like swimming through it.

    R
    Rob V.
    Review

    Quick delivery Quick growing plant

    A
    Adrian L.
    Review

    Wow this plant is certainly a weed it grows very rapidly, within three weeks it was 4 times the height!

    P
    Paul S.
    Review

    Great plants

    L
    LISA W.
    Review

    This is a lovely plant, now growing rapidly with the root tabs that I bought with it. It needs trimming as it gets rather lanky!

    R
    Rebecca H.
    Review

    Plants arrived in fantastic condition and now looking beautiful inside the tank. Thank you AE

    Product FAQs

    Helpful details before you buy.

    Is Hygrophila polysperma good for beginners?

    Yes, Hygrophila polysperma is one of the easiest aquarium plants to grow. It is a strong choice for beginners, new aquariums and low-tech planted tanks.

    Where should I plant Hygrophila polysperma?

    Hygrophila polysperma is best used as a midground or background plant. It grows upright and can add height, movement and greenery to the back or middle areas of the aquarium.

    How tall does Hygrophila polysperma grow?

    Hygrophila polysperma can grow up to around 50 cm tall, so regular trimming may be needed once it becomes established.

    Does Hygrophila polysperma need CO2?

    No, Hygrophila polysperma does not need added CO2 to grow well. CO2 can improve growth, but it is not essential for most everyday aquariums.

    Why is Hygrophila polysperma useful in new tanks?

    Hygrophila polysperma grows quickly and can help absorb excess nutrients, making it useful in new setups where the tank is still settling.