Care Guide
Giant Hygro, Temple plant
Hygrophila Corymbosa
Care at a Glance
Lighting
Moderate
Growth Rate
Fast
Growth Form
Stem
Placement
Background
True Aquatic
Yes
Available As
Bunch plant
About This Plant
Hygrophila corymbosa is a deservedly popular aquarium plant that has large green leaves. Newer leaves of Hygrophila corymbosa display some purple colors in the submerged growth. Plant Hygrophila corymbosa in the background areas of the aquarium, because it can get big. If allowed to grow out of the water at the back of the aquarium, it might surprise you with small but pretty purple flowers. Many different varieties of Hygrophila corymbosa have been created over the years and are available to the aquarium trade.
About the Hygrophila Genus
Family — Acanthaceae
Hygrophila are fast-growing, undemanding stem plants — good background "workhorse" species that quickly take up excess nutrients and help suppress nuisance algae in newly cycled tanks.
Quick-Reference Details
- Common name
- Giant Hygro, Temple plant
- Scientific name
- Hygrophila Corymbosa
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to
- Southeast Asia
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Requirements
- Undemanding
- Lighting
- Moderate
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Growth form
- Stem
- Placement
- Background
- True aquatic
- Yes
- Available as
- Bunch plant
Difficulty — Advanced
Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
CO2 & Fertilization
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Tank Size & Setup
Best in tanks 20 gallons or larger so background stems have room to grow up and be trimmed without overtaking the foreground.
Aquascaping & Placement
Plant at the back of the tank as a vertical accent or full background curtain. Group stems in clusters of 5-10 for a fuller display. Trim and replant the tops every 3-4 weeks. The new growth tips hold the best color and form, while lower stems eventually need replacing.
Tank-Mate Compatibility
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Pro Tips for Growing Giant Hygro, Temple plant
- 1Trim frequently — Hygrophila grows fast and will shade out neighboring plants if left.
- 2Replant cut tops; old stems get leggy at the base and look thin over time.
Common Care Issues
Outgrowing the tank
Plan to trim every 1-2 weeks. Skipping trims lets the plant shade out neighbors and trap detritus that fouls water quality.
Slow initial growth
Most aquarium plants pause for 2-4 weeks after planting while they convert from their nursery-grown emersed form to fully submerged growth. New leaves that emerge underwater will look thinner and slightly different — this is the plant adapting, not a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much light does Giant Hygro, Temple plant need?
Giant Hygro, Temple plant (Hygrophila Corymbosa) prefers moderate lighting. A standard planted-tank LED fixture run 7-9 hours a day is typical.
Does Giant Hygro, Temple plant need CO2?
CO2 is optional. Growth improves with supplementation, but the plant survives and stays presentable without it.
Is Giant Hygro, Temple plant good for beginners?
Giant Hygro, Temple plant is rated advanced-level. Performs best with strong lighting, CO2 supplementation, and stable water parameters. Not recommended as a first plant.
How fast does Giant Hygro, Temple plant grow?
Growth rate is fast. Expect to trim every 1-2 weeks once established.
What fish and invertebrates are compatible with Giant Hygro, Temple plant?
Compatible with the full range of community-tank species — tetras, rasboras, livebearers, corydoras, and most other peaceful freshwater fish do not damage the foliage.
Available to Purchase
Giant Hygro, Temple plant — $19.99
Free 2-day shipping on orders over $100