Hygrophila odora
Hygrophila odora (Nees) T.Anderson
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Need help with Hygrophila odora?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Planting & care
- PlacementMidground, Background
- Growth typeStem plant
- LightHigh
- CO2Required
- Height3.9–7.9" (10–20 cm)
About this plant
Hygrophila odora is a distinctive West African stem plant whose submerged and emersed forms look very different. Under water it develops firm stems and narrow, deeply divided light-green leaves; above water it forms broader hairy leaves, tall shoots and blue to purple flowers. It entered the hobby under names such as Hygrophila sp. 'Guinea' and Hygrophila sp. 'Africa' before being identified as H. odora. Submerged culture is demanding and works best in soft water with strong light, stable carbon dioxide and a complete supply of macro- and micronutrients. Adequate phosphate is especially important, and warm conditions above roughly 26 °C often improve development. Growth can range from slow to moderate depending on conditions. Propagate the plant from short top or side cuttings; floating a stem near the surface can encourage additional branching. No fixed aquarium height is assigned because reliable sources describe its form but do not agree on a standard maintained size.
Quick specs
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Light
- High
- CO₂
- Required
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- Placement
- Midground, Background
- Growth type
- Stem plant
- Aquarium suitability
- Suitable for aquariums Suitable for long-term aquarium use.
- Approx. height
- 3.9–7.9" (10–20 cm)
Water conditions
Plant reference ranges, not dosing instructions or measurements from your aquarium. Consider livestock needs and measured conditions.
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 4.5–7
- Carbonate hardness
- 0–7 °dKH
- CO₂ (mg/L)
- 25–40 mg/L
Nutrients
- Nitrate (NO₃)
- 10–50 mg/L
- Phosphate (PO₄)
- 0.3–3 mg/L
- Potassium (K)
- 5–30 mg/L
- Iron (Fe)
- 0.01–0.5 mg/L
Growth & placement
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Color
- Green
Grow it successfully
What you’ll need to grow Hygrophila odora
Start with this plant’s documented care needs, then use an AquariumLesson calculator to size the setup for your aquarium.
For best results, keep the plant's documented lighting, CO₂ and nutrient needs in balance.
Fertilization
Regular macro and micronutrient fertilization supports healthy growth and coloration.
Calculate fertilizer dosingTaxonomy
- Major group
- Angiosperms
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Genus
- Hygrophila
- Botanical name
- Hygrophila odora (Nees) T.Anderson
