Hygrophila Stricta aquarium plant — commonly
known as the Temple Plant or Giant Hygrophila —
is one of the most popular and reliable large
background stem plants available for freshwater
aquariums. This hygrophila stricta aquarium
plant produces broad bright green leaves in
attractive opposite pairs along tall upright
stems — creating an impressive lush background
display that fills any medium or large planted
tank naturally and beautifully.
Fast growing, extremely easy to care for,
and visually impressive — this hygrophila
stricta aquarium plant is a staple background
plant in the aquarium hobby and one of the
most recommended species for beginners
wanting an instant lush background effect
without the challenges of more demanding
large background plants.
What is Hygrophila Stricta Aquarium Plant?
Hygrophila Stricta is a large growing stem
plant native to tropical Asia — found naturally
in India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South
and Southeast Asia. Its widespread distribution
across the Indian subcontinent makes this
hygrophila stricta aquarium plant perfectly
adapted to Indian water conditions and
temperatures without any adjustment period.
In the aquarium this hygrophila stricta
aquarium plant grows as a tall upright stem
plant reaching 30 to 50 centimetres in height
under good conditions. Its broad bright green
leaves give it a bold and impressive presence
in the background that immediately transforms
the look of any planted aquarium.
Why Choose Hygrophila Stricta Aquarium Plant?
🌿 Broad bright green leaves create an
impressively lush background display
🌿 Fast growing — quickly fills background
of medium and large aquariums naturally
🌿 Native to India — perfectly adapted to
Indian water conditions and temperatures
🌿 No CO2 required — thrives in basic
low-tech setups without special equipment
🌿 Easy to grow — ideal for complete
beginners starting their first planted tank
🌿 Easy to propagate through stem cuttings
— one bunch quickly becomes many
🌿 Provides natural shelter and shade for
fish and bottom-dwelling species
How to Plant Hygrophila Stricta Aquarium Plant
Push the stem ends of this hygrophila
stricta aquarium plant 2 to 3 centimetres
into fine sand or gravel substrate keeping
lower leaves above the substrate surface.
Plant in groups of 5 to 7 stems spaced
3 centimetres apart for a full impressive
background display that fills in quickly.
Under good lighting this hygrophila
stricta aquarium plant grows rapidly and
will need trimming every 2 to 3 weeks.
Simply trim with sharp scissors and
replant the cuttings alongside the
original plants for a progressively
denser and more impressive background.
Perfect Plant Combinations
This hygrophila stricta aquarium plant
pairs beautifully with Anubias Nana
on driftwood in the midground and works
wonderfully alongside Vallisneria Spiralis
as companion background plants. Also
pairs well with Java Moss
on foreground rocks for natural contrast.
Browse our complete background plant collection
for more easy background stem plant options.
For more information visit Fishkeeping World and
Aquatic Plant Central.
Care Details
🌱 Care Level: Easy
💡 Lighting: Low to High
💧 CO2: Not required
📍 Placement: Background
🌡️ Temperature: 18°C – 30°C
⚗️ pH: 6.0 – 7.5
💪 Growth Rate: Fast
Every Hygrophila Stricta aquarium plant
from FloraBiz is farm-grown in clean healthy
cultivation tanks in Kozhikode, Kerala and
shipped fresh directly to your doorstep
anywhere in India with our live plant
delivery guarantee.
