Swamp Hygrophila

Hygrophila costata

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Acanthaceae

📍 Americas (Central and South)

A robust, fast-growing species native to the Americas with broad, oval leaves and prominent veins. It adapts well to a wide range of water conditions and is commonly found in paludariums and low-tech setups. Produces beautiful purple flowers when grown emersed.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

Peaceful algae grazers that won't damage plant leaves and help maintain tank cleanliness

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that thrive in similar water conditions and won't uproot or consume plants

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Beneficial invertebrates that graze algae and detritus without harming healthy plant tissue

excellent

Corydoras Duplicareus

Bottom-dwelling catfish that aerate substrate and won't damage stems or leaves

good

Anubias Barteri

Excellent companion plant with similar low-light tolerance and slow growth; creates layered aquascape

excellent

Java Fern

Compatible foreground/midground plant that shares similar care requirements and low-tech setup suitability

excellent

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, pale coloration, particularly in older leaves

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing with comprehensive plant supplements; add root tabs if substrate is depleted; ensure adequate lighting to support photosynthesis

Algae Overgrowth on Leaves

Symptoms

Green or brown algae coating leaf surfaces, reduced light penetration, plant vigor decline

Treatment

Increase water changes, reduce lighting duration, add algae-eating fish or shrimp, manually remove affected leaves if severe

Stem Rot

Symptoms

Soft, mushy stems that darken and decay, foul odor, leaf loss starting from base

Treatment

Remove affected stems immediately, improve water circulation, reduce organic waste buildup, ensure adequate water changes and avoid stagnant conditions

Melting

Symptoms

Rapid leaf deterioration and transparency, plant appears to dissolve, especially after major water parameter changes

Treatment

Maintain stable water parameters, acclimate plant gradually to new conditions, ensure consistent temperature and pH, trim damaged portions and allow regrowth

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with Swamp Hygrophila to be the first!

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Quick Facts

pH: 6.0–8.0
CO2: not required
light: low–high
height: 20–60 cm (7.9–23.6 in)
placement: background
propagation: stem cuttings
temperature: 72–86°F (22–30°C)

Water it likes

ph: 6.0–8.0
notes: Suitable for Amazonian biotope tanks. Large leaves can be pruned to control height.
hardness: 2–15 dGH
temperature: 154–183°F (68–84°C)