Hygrophila odora

Description

Hygrophila odora is an aquarium plant also known as Hygrophila sp. 'Guinea' and H. sp. 'Afrika'. It originates from Western Africa, where it grows in riverside habitats up to 50 cm tall. The emersed form has strong stems that lignify at the base, lanceolate leaves, and dense short sticky hairs. Flowers are light blue to purple, large (over 2 cm), and sit in upper leaf axils. The submersed form is distinct from the terrestrial form, with no hairs, light green narrow pinnatisect leaves, and relatively hard stems. Leaves have lobes that resemble those of Hygrophila difformis but are narrower. The plant grows well in soft water under strong lighting with ample macro- and micronutrients, and CO2 injection. It is susceptible to phosphate deficiency and requires a PO4 concentration of at least 0.3 mg/l. High temperatures up to 26 °C can benefit growth. Propagation occurs through top and lateral cuttings or by letting stems float under the surface for weeks. The emersed form grows more easily in cultivation but needs space due to its height, whereas the submersed form is more challenging.