How to Care for Temple Plant (Hygrophila corymbosa): A Complete Guide for Aquarium Enthusiasts
Aquarium plants not only add beauty and natural appeal to your underwater world, but they also help maintain a healthy ecosystem for your fish and other aquatic creatures. One such plant that is often sought after for both its aesthetics and ease of care is the Temple Plant (scientific name: Hygrophila corymbosa). Known for its striking appearance, fast growth, and ability to thrive in a wide range of water conditions, the Temple Plant is an excellent choice for both beginner and advanced aquarists.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to care for the Temple Plant, from ideal tank conditions and substrate types to pruning, fertilization, and common issues you might encounter. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarium hobbyist or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information necessary to ensure the Temple Plant thrives in your aquatic garden.
What is the Temple Plant (Hygrophila corymbosa)?
Hygrophila corymbosa, commonly known as the Temple Plant or Giant Hygro, is a popular fast-growing stem plant native to South and Southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The plant is widely used in freshwater aquariums due to its lush, green leaves and its ability to grow well under various conditions. It is often chosen for midground or background planting in aquascapes due to its potential to grow quite tall and its bushy appearance.
The Temple Plant has broad, pointed leaves that range in color from light green to deep olive, depending on the lighting and water conditions. Under optimal conditions, it can even develop reddish hues on the leaf edges, adding extra visual interest to your aquarium. The Temple Plant is also known for its ability to absorb excess nutrients from the water, making it beneficial for maintaining water quality by helping to control algae growth and stabilizing the nitrogen cycle.
Key Characteristics of the Temple Plant (Hygrophila corymbosa):
- Growth Rate: Fast-growing.
- Height: Can grow up to 20-24 inches (50-60 cm).
- Leaf Shape: Broad, lance-shaped leaves with slightly serrated edges.
- Color: Bright green with potential red or brownish hues on the edges.
- Placement: Best suited for midground or background planting.
- Growth Type: Stem plant (can be propagated by cutting and replanting the stems).
Benefits of Keeping the Temple Plant in Your Aquarium
1. Aesthetic Appeal
The Temple Plant is a visually striking plant that can serve as the focal point of any aquascape. Its broad, vibrant green leaves create a beautiful contrast against other plants, rocks, and aquarium decorations. With proper care, it can also develop reddish or brownish hues, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Its fast-growing nature allows it to fill in the back of the aquarium, giving a lush, jungle-like effect.
2. Water Quality Improvement
As with many live aquarium plants, the Temple Plant plays a significant role in maintaining good water quality. It absorbs excess nitrogen compounds such as ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which can lead to algae overgrowth and poor water conditions if left unchecked. By helping to regulate these compounds, the Temple Plant supports a healthier environment for your fish, shrimp, and other aquatic creatures.
Additionally, it also provides a natural source of oxygen for the tank through photosynthesis, which is beneficial for all aquatic life. As a result, this plant can be a key component in creating a more balanced and thriving aquarium ecosystem.
3. Provides Shelter
Temple plants’ dense growth provides excellent hiding places for fish, shrimp, and other smaller aquatic creatures. Whether it's giving shy fish a safe space or offering a refuge for baby fish (fry), the bushy structure of Hygrophila corymbosa makes it a great shelter. This can help reduce stress for more timid species and increase the survival rate of fry by providing a natural hiding space away from predators.
4. Algae Control
The Temple Plant is known to be a natural algae controller in aquariums. Since it absorbs excess nutrients from the water, it helps in preventing the build-up of unwanted algae, reducing the likelihood of green water or hair algae. It is an excellent plant for helping keep your aquarium clean and balanced.
Ideal Tank Conditions for Temple Plant Care
To ensure the Temple Plant thrives in your aquarium, it's important to provide the right water conditions, lighting, and substrate. Let’s explore the optimal parameters for these factors.
1. Water Temperature
The Temple Plant thrives in tropical water temperatures. The ideal range is between 72°F and 82°F (22°C to 28°C). This temperature range ensures optimal growth, with cooler temperatures potentially slowing down its growth and warmer temperatures encouraging faster growth. Keep the water temperature within this range to maintain healthy and robust growth of your Temple Plant.
2. Water pH
Temple plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions. The ideal pH range for Hygrophila corymbosa is between 6.0 and 7.5. While it can tolerate slight fluctuations, sudden shifts in pH can stress the plant and hinder its growth. If your water pH falls outside of this range, consider adjusting it to better suit the plant’s needs.
3. Water Hardness
Limiting water hardness is important for Temple Plant care, as the plant grows best in soft to moderately hard water. The general hardness (dGH) should ideally fall between 4 and 12 dGH. Water that is too hard or too soft may cause nutrient deficiencies or affect the plant’s overall health. If you have hard water, you may consider using RO (reverse osmosis) water or softening your water with a deionizer.
4. Lighting
Temple Plants are moderate to high light plants. Providing enough light will ensure fast and healthy growth. If the light is too low, the plant may grow slowly and have sparse leaves. On the other hand, excessive light can lead to algae blooms, so balance is key.
The recommended lighting intensity is moderate to high, and the light should be provided for 8-12 hours a day. A good LED aquarium light with a color temperature of 6,500 to 8,000 Kelvin is ideal for growing plants like the Temple Plant. This mimics the spectrum of natural sunlight and provides the necessary light for photosynthesis.
5. Substrate
The Temple Plant prefers a nutrient-rich substrate, such as aquatic soil or plant-specific gravel, which will support healthy root growth. It can also grow in sand or inert gravel, but in these cases, you will need to use root tabs to supplement the plant’s nutrient needs.
To plant the Temple Plant, bury the stem and roots into the substrate, leaving the crown just above the surface to encourage new growth. If the plant is getting leggy or weak, consider planting it deeper or trimming back the stem to encourage more bushy growth.
6. Water Flow
Temple plants thrive in moderate water flow. They can adapt to gentle currents but may struggle in very strong water flows, which can uproot the plant or cause it to become damaged. Ideally, your aquarium’s filtration system should provide gentle water circulation, ensuring the plant’s stems remain stable while still benefiting from water movement for nutrient distribution.
Planting and Propagating Temple Plants
Planting Temple Plants
Planting Hygrophila corymbosa is straightforward:
- Prepare the Plant: Carefully remove the plant from its packaging and rinse off any excess dirt or debris.
- Trim the Roots: If the roots are tangled or excessively long, trim them to encourage healthier growth.
- Plant in Substrate: Bury the roots gently in the substrate, ensuring the crown is above the surface. This encourages new growth from the stem.
- Spacing: Leave enough space between plants, as Hygrophila corymbosa will grow tall and wide over time.
Propagating Temple Plants
One of the most exciting features of the Temple Plant is its ability to propagate easily. It grows rapidly and can be propagated by stem cuttings. Here's how:
- Select a healthy stem of the plant.
- Using sharp scissors, cut the stem just below a leaf node.
- Replant the cutting in the substrate, making sure to bury the roots.
- New growth will soon emerge from the cutting, and the original stem will continue to grow as well.
Common Issues with Temple Plants
While the Temple Plant is relatively hardy, it may experience a few common issues. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
1. Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves may indicate nutrient deficiencies, particularly a lack of iron or potassium. If your plant is turning yellow, consider supplementing with a liquid fertilizer or root tabs that contain these key nutrients. Yellowing can also be a sign of poor water quality, so check your water parameters regularly.
2. Leggy Growth
If your Temple Plant is growing tall but with sparse leaves, it is likely receiving too little light. Increase the light intensity or duration to encourage bushier growth. Alternatively, reduce the distance between the light source and the plant to ensure it gets sufficient light for healthy development.
3. Algae Growth
Excessive algae growth can sometimes occur with
Temple Plants, especially if the tank is exposed to too much light or has high nutrient levels. Reduce the lighting period to 8-10 hours per day and ensure your filtration system is effectively removing excess nutrients.
Conclusion
Temple plants (Hygrophila corymbosa) are a stunning addition to any aquarium due to their beauty, fast growth, and versatility in a wide range of water conditions. By providing appropriate lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate, and proper care, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving Temple Plant in your aquarium for years to come. Whether you're looking to enhance the aesthetic of your tank or improve the water quality, the Temple Plant is an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced aquarists alike.
Happy aquascaping! May your aquarium thrive with the lush, vibrant greenery of Hygrophila corymbosa.
