Hygrophila Corymbosa 'stricta'

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' is a striking variety of Hygrophila corymbosa, known for its tall, narrow leaves and compact growth. It’s a beautiful and highly adaptable plant that adds a unique visual element to aquariums, making it a popular choice for both aquascaping and plant enthusiasts. Its upright growth and vibrant green color can create excellent vertical structure in aquascapes, making it a great midground or background plant.

Care Tips for Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta':

1. Light Requirements:

   • Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' thrives in moderate to high light. Under bright light, it tends to develop more compact growth with vibrant green leaves. If light is too low, it may grow leggy and loose, but it still remains relatively hardy under a range of light conditions.

2. Water Parameters:

   • Temperature: It does best in tropical conditions, with an ideal temperature range of 72–82°F (22–28°C).
   • pH: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' prefers slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0–7.5.
   • Hardness: This plant can adapt to a wide range of water hardness, from soft to moderately hard water, making it a flexible choice for many aquariums.

3. Substrate:

   • While it can grow in almost any substrate, it does best in a nutrient-rich substrate or one supplemented with liquid fertilizers. A substrate with good nutrient content will help encourage its healthy growth and development.

4. Growth Rate:

   • This plant has a moderate to fast growth rate, but it's generally more compact compared to other fast-growing stem plants. Regular pruning can help control its size and shape, but its rapid growth means it can fill up space quickly in the right conditions.

5. Pruning:

   • Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' will benefit from regular trimming to maintain its upright shape and bushier growth. If you allow it to grow unchecked, it can become leggy and lose its compact form. You can propagate it by cutting the stems just above the nodes and replanting the top portions.

6. Fertilization:

   • Like other Hygrophila varieties, 'Stricta' is a moderate feeder. It can benefit from occasional liquid fertilization, especially in low-tech or non-CO2 setups. Regular nutrients, especially micronutrients like iron, can help keep the plant vibrant and healthy. CO2 supplementation can also improve growth, especially in high-light tanks.

7. Positioning in the Tank:

   • Due to its upright, columnar growth, Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' works best as a midground or background plant. It can reach heights of 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) and provide a nice vertical element to your aquascape. Its growth is more controlled compared to other stem plants, so it’s great for creating structured layers in your aquarium.

Interesting Facts:

1. Unique Leaf Shape:

   • The most noticeable feature of Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' is its tall, narrow leaves that are arranged in an elegant rosette pattern. The leaves tend to have a slightly wavy texture, which creates a distinctive look in the aquarium, especially when grown in groups.

2. Hardy and Adaptable:

   • Like many Hygrophila species, 'Stricta' is highly resilient and can tolerate a range of environmental conditions. It’s one of the easier-to-care-for plants that can still provide a beautiful appearance even in a moderately maintained aquarium.

3. Great for Aquascaping:

   • Due to its tall, bushy structure and elegant leaves, Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' is often used in aquascaping. It can create a lovely vertical contrast when placed in the background or middle of an aquascape, making it perfect for creating focal points or framing other plants.

4. Rapid Growth with Proper Care:

   • Hygrophila corymbosa 'Stricta' can grow rapidly under optimal conditions, especially when light, nutrients, and CO2 are sufficient. It’s an excellent plant for tanks that need fast-growing greenery to help absorb excess nutrients.

5. Effective at Nitrate Absorption:

   • Like other fast-growing plants, 'Stricta' is effective at absorbing excess nitrates in the aquarium, helping to maintain better water quality and reducing the likelihood of algae blooms. This makes it a good plant for balancing out aquarium chemistry.

6. Propagation:

   • Propagation is easy and involves cutting the stems just above the nodes (where the leaves meet the stem). You can then replant the top part of the stem to continue growing. Over time, the plant will branch out, becoming bushier.

Fun Fact:

• The name "Stricta" comes from the Latin word strictus, meaning "narrow" or "straight," referring to the plant's characteristic upright growth and narrow leaves. It’s also sometimes referred to as the “Upright Hygrophila” due to its columnar growth habit.