Hygrophila corymbosa Cherry Leaf

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  Corymbosa

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  Siamensis
• Compacta
• Cherry LeafThis page

Care at a glance

Overview

One of the easiest large stems, and quick. Plant it in the background in nutrient-rich substrate, give it medium light, and it will race upward; regular topping and replanting keeps the stand dense and keeps coloured tops coming, since the cherry flush sits on the newest growth nearest the light. CO2 is optional but helps it hold its lower leaves. Feed iron: without it the plant grows fine but stays green. Its speed makes it a useful nutrient sponge in new setups. Propagate from cuttings, which root in days.

In the wild

'Cherry Leaf' is a trade selection of Hygrophila corymbosa and exists only in cultivation. The parent species grows across Southeast Asia in marshes, ditches and slow stream margins, mostly emersed as a bushy marsh plant that flowers above water, submerging when levels rise.

Good to know

A member of Acanthaceae. Hygrophila means moisture-loving, and corymbosa refers to the clustered flower heads the emersed plant carries; underwater the species swaps its firm dark emersed foliage for larger, softer leaves. 'Cherry Leaf' is a colour form whose new submersed growth flushes cherry pink to red under good light, while shaded leaves stay green. It is a trade name without botanical standing, and at least one shop sells the same plant tied to the 'Stricta' label.

Did you know

Light alone will not turn it red. The cherry flush on the top leaves depends on iron in the fertilizer, and a strongly lit but iron-starved stand simply grows as a green temple plant.

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