Hygrophila costata: stunning emergent and decorative plant for open aquariums and summer ponds
A large, beautiful, easy plant... that flowers!
Hygrophila costata is a large ornamental plant, ideal for hiding equipment or structuring the aquarium background. Its broad leaves can be green with purple hues, or reddish-purple veined with green, depending on conditions. It grows steadily without sudden changes and loves to emerge in open tanks, where it readily flowers. Outdoors (summer), it thrives in trashcan gardens or on the moist banks of ponds.
Why choose Hygrophila costata?
- Undemanding: medium to strong light, no need for added CO₂.
- Emergent or submerged: perfect in open aquariums and paludariums.
- A magnificent silhouette (one of the most beautiful Hygrophilas).
- Moderate and steady growth: easy to control and shape.
- Resists goldfish well.
- Excellent choice for low-tech aquariums and summer ponds.
Planting and cultivation tips
- Placement: background or large shaded areas (middle/back), due to its size.
- Light: tolerates simple lighting. The stronger the light, the more compact and colorful the plant becomes.
- Temperature: indoors with or without heating. Bring in when water drops below 17-18 °C.
- Substrate: simple sand, fine or coarse, is sufficient. Enrichment not required.
- Size: cut to desired height and replant the top (easy cutting).
- Dimensions: can reach 60 cm high × 20 cm wide.
Possible Uses
- Low-tech aquarium: structural and very decorative background plant.
- Open aquarium / paludarium: emergent growth and flowering.
- Trashcan garden / summer pond: excellent plant for moist banks or underwater. Bring indoors below 17-18°C in autumn.
FAQ - Hygrophila costata
Is CO₂ needed?
No. It grows very well without flowering in a balanced tank.
Can it flower?
Yes, as soon as it is in the emergent phase (open tank/paludarium, summer outdoors).
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. Stable and steady growth, easy maintenance.
Is it compatible with goldfish?
Yes, it withstands their appetite well.
Can it stay outside all year?
No, it is a tropical species: keep it outside only in summer and bring it in as soon as the temperature drops below 17 to 18 °C.
Additional information
- Scientific name: Hygrophila costata (or guanensis)
- Type: Large background plant, emergent or submerged
- Guarantee: Without rock wool or artificial substrate
- Ideal conditions: Medium to strong light. Moist bank or underwater outdoors for summer only. In a natural aquarium between 20 and 28°C.
- Size: Up to 60 cm tall.
- Outdoor: Summer only (bring indoors below 17-18 °C)
- Packaging: 2 plants at least 20 cm tall (approximate weight: 10 g)
- Recommendation: Even though it is not classified as invasive in Europe, please never release the plant into the wild, to protect our ecosystems.
