Hygrophila Corymbosa Siamensis

Hygrophila corymbosa ‘Siamensis’ — The Workhorse Background Plant of the Planted Tank

Hygrophila corymbosa ‘Siamensis’ is a Southeast Asian stem plant that has earned its place as one of the most widely grown and trusted background plants in the aquarium hobby. Native to Thailand and surrounding regions, it produces broad, lance-shaped leaves in a rich medium green, arranged in neat opposite pairs along sturdy, upright stems — creating a bold, structured presence that anchors the background of any aquascape with confidence.

What makes ‘Siamensis’ stand out is its exceptional resilience. It adapts to a wide range of water conditions, tolerates low light, and grows vigorously even without CO₂ injection — making it one of the best choices for beginners and low-tech setups, while remaining a staple in high-tech planted tanks for its reliable, fast growth and easy propagation.

Appearance

• Height: 20 – 50 cm (8 – 20 inches); a robust, upright background plant
• Leaves: Broad, lance-shaped, medium to deep green; arranged in opposite pairs along the stem
• Growth habit: Upright stem plant; fast-growing and branches readily when trimmed

Care & Planting Tips

• Plant in groups of 3–5 stems for a full, lush background effect
• Trim the tops regularly and replant cuttings to create a dense, multi-layered wall of green
• Tolerates low light but grows faster and more compactly under moderate to high lighting
• CO₂ is not required — one of the few background plants that performs well without it
• Liquid fertilizer supports healthy growth, especially in nutrient-poor substrates

Ideal Tank Parameters

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
• Hardness: Soft to hard (highly adaptable)
• Lighting: Low to High
• CO₂: Not required
• Fertilization: Liquid fertilizer recommended

Sold as a stem cutting. One of the fastest-establishing aquarium plants available — expect visible growth within days of planting.