Hygrophila corymbosa
Giant Hygrophila ( Hygrophila corymbosa )
The Giant Hygrophila ( Hygrophila corymbosa ) is a marsh plant of the family Acanthaceae ( Acanthaceae ). Similar to the genus of water Friends ( Hygrophila ) belonging to Indian water friend and the Indian Water Star, he is one of the plants that play a role in the aquarium hobby.
Appearance
The giant water friend is a herbaceous plant with a stem that forms crosswise against permanent underwater leaves. The leaves are up to ten inches long and five inches wide. The leaf shapes and colors are very variable; commercially under the name Broad-leaved giant water friend (H. corymbosa var glabra) and Thai Giant Hygrophila (H. corymbosa var siamensis ) offered forms in which the leaves are narrow ovate or narrowly elliptic. All forms are available in a reddish brown or light green color form.
Distribution and habitat
The giant water friend is a widespread marsh plant in Southeast Asia. The plant is both found on swampy sites and completely submerged in fast flowing water.
Use in the aquarium
In the aquarium you count the giant water friend and all of its cultivated forms, and possibly subspecies to the frugal and easy to maintain ways. It is also advisable especially for background planting in larger aquariums.
The plant grows best in medium hard water, ie at pH values at seven. The water temperature should be 22 to 28 degrees Celsius. It grows best in good lighting; reddish stains form under these conditions also good. On the carbon dioxide content of the water, the plant only minor claims. Compared to high iron additions, the plant is, however, sensitive. Well flowed water also promotes the growth ability. Through regular partial water changes, the required content of CO2 can be ensured. The vegetative propagation can be done by the separation and re-implantation of side shoots.
In addition to the in aquariums also an attitude in paludariums and in hydroponics is possible. In these forms it comes to flower. The individual flowers are bright blue to bright purple.