Aquarium plant

Hygrophila odora

Hygrophila odora (Nees) T.Anderson

Midground, BackgroundStem plant

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Plant overview

Hygrophila odora grows as a stem plant and fits midground and background planting. Care: difficult care, high light, required CO₂.

Recorded water ranges cover temperature 24–28 °C, pH 4.5–7, KH 0–7 °dKH, CO₂ 25–4 mg/L.

Planting & care

PlacementMidground, Background
GrowthStem plant
LightHigh
CO2Required

Water conditions

Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 4.5–7
Carbonate hardness: 0–7 °dKH
CO₂ (mg/L): 25–4 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

Taxonomy

Major group: Angiosperms
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Hygrophila
Botanical name: Hygrophila odora (Nees) T.Anderson

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.