Cultivar of Hygrophila corymbosa, native to Southeast Asia
Overview
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf is one of the easiest large stem plants for the background, and a quick one.
Did you know
Light alone will not turn Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf red. The cherry flush depends on iron in the fertilizer, and a strongly lit but iron-starved stand simply grows as a green temple plant.
Caring for Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf
Strip the lower leaves and plant the stems a little apart in the background, in a nutrient-rich substrate. Keep the water at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).
Give it medium light. It grows without injected CO2, and added CO2 helps it hold its lower leaves. Use a fertilizer with iron, and add root tabs near its roots, since it feeds through both roots and leaves. Its speed makes it a useful nutrient sponge in a new setup.
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf races upward. Regular topping and replanting keeps the stand dense and the colored tops coming, since the flush sits on the newest growth nearest the light. Cuttings root in days, and side shoots can be planted on their own.
Good to know
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf is a member of Acanthaceae. Hygrophila means moisture-loving, and corymbosa refers to the clustered flower heads of the emersed plant. Underwater the species swaps its firm, dark emersed foliage for larger, softer leaves. This color form's new growth flushes cherry pink to red under good light, while shaded leaves stay green. The name 'Cherry Leaf' is a trade name without botanical standing, and at least one shop sells the same plant under the 'Stricta' label.
In the wild
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf is a trade selection that exists only in cultivation. Its parent species grows across Southeast Asia in marshes, ditches and slow stream margins. There it lives mostly emersed as a bushy marsh plant that flowers above water, and it submerges when levels rise.
Common questions
Is Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf a different species from Hygrophila corymbosa?
No. Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf is a form of Hygrophila corymbosa. It wants medium light, where the species wants low. It also differs in pH and spread.
Does Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf need to be planted in the substrate?
Yes. Strip the leaves from the lower part of each stem, then push the stems into the substrate one at a time, a little apart.
Does Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf need CO2?
No. Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf grows well without added CO2.
How much light does Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf need?
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf wants medium light. A light sold for planted tanks covers it.
Does Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf need root tabs?
They help. Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf takes nutrients through both its roots and its leaves. Root tabs near its roots and a liquid fertilizer cover both.
How do you propagate Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf?
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf propagates by cuttings and side shoots. Cut off the top of a stem and replant it, and the stump left behind grows new shoots. Cut a side shoot off once it has a few leaves and plant it on its own.
How tall does Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf grow?
Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf grows to about 19.7 in (50 cm) tall. It grows fast, so expect to trim it often.
High lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)
Low lightBackground17.7 in (45 cm)
Medium lightBackground23.6 in (60 cm)
Medium lightBackground15.7 in (40 cm)
Medium lightBackground19.7 in (50 cm)