Hygrophila 'Bold'

Hygrophila sp. 'Bold'

Plantae›Tracheophyta›Magnoliopsida›Acanthaceae

📍 Southeast Asia (cultivar)

A robust cultivar with unusually wide, wavy-edged leaves that give a bold, architectural presence in the background. The large leaf surface collects bubbles during pearling, making it a favourite for photography. Very easy to grow and tolerant of low-tech conditions.

Tank Mates

Otocinclus

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

excellent

Red Cherry Shrimp

Gentle invertebrates that graze algae without harming plant tissue; thrive in planted tanks

excellent

Neon Tetra

Small, peaceful schooling fish that add color without uprooting or damaging aquatic plants

good

Dwarf Hairgrass

Complementary foreground plant that contrasts well with Bold's large leaves and creates layered aquascaping

excellent

Anubias Nana

Slow-growing companion plant with different leaf structure; both thrive in similar low-tech conditions

excellent

German Blue Ram

Peaceful bottom-dweller that won't uproot or consume plants; adds activity to the midwater

good

Common Diseases

Nutrient Deficiency

Symptoms

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

Treatment

Increase fertilizer dosing (liquid all-in-one or macronutrient tabs); ensure adequate lighting; test water parameters and adjust nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients as needed

Algae Overgrowth

Symptoms

Green, brown, or black algae coating leaves and stems; reduced light penetration

Treatment

Reduce lighting duration to 8–10 hours daily; perform regular water changes; introduce algae-eating fish or shrimp; manually remove affected leaves if severe

Melting

Symptoms

Leaves becoming translucent, mushy, or dissolving; rapid tissue breakdown

Treatment

Ensure stable water parameters (pH 6.0–8.0, temperature 22–28°C); improve water circulation; perform 25–30% water changes; remove severely affected leaves to prevent spread

Root Rot

Symptoms

Mushy substrate around base, foul odor, plant collapse despite adequate fertilization

Treatment

Improve substrate drainage and water circulation; reduce organic waste buildup; perform partial substrate replacement; increase water change frequency; trim affected stems and replant healthy portions