Cultivated (dwarf form of the Southeast Asian Hygrophila corymbosa)
Overview
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is one of the easiest midground plants there is, and a good pick for a beginner.
Did you know
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is a stem plant doing a rosette impression. Its internodes are so compressed that months can pass before it looks like it has a stem at all. That is why it holds its shape while its parent species races to the surface.
Caring for Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta
Strip the lower leaves and push the stems into the substrate in the midground, a little apart. The emersed leaves it ships with will yellow and drop as submersed growth takes over, and that transition is normal, not failure. Keep the water at 68 to 82°F (20 to 28°C).
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is undemanding about light, fine without CO2 and tolerant of hard water. Under strong light the newest leaves flush reddish brown. Added CO2 and richer feeding speed the mound up, and root tabs plus a liquid fertilizer cover both its roots and leaves.
It grows at a moderate pace and stays low for a stem plant. It thickens by pushing side shoots from the base, so it holds a compact mound with very little trimming. Replant side shoots or cuttings to propagate it.
Good to know
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is a cultivar of Hygrophila corymbosa in the family Acanthaceae, traded as 'Compact', 'Compacta' and 'Kompakt'. Nursery plants arrive with dark brownish-green emersed foliage. Underwater, pale green leaves with silver-white undersides replace it.
In the wild
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is a dwarf cultivated form and not a wild plant. Its species grows across Southeast Asia in marshes, ditches and along stream margins. It lives there mostly emersed as a stout marsh herb, and it goes submersed when the water rises over it.
Common questions
Is Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta a different species from Hygrophila corymbosa?
No. Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is a form of Hygrophila corymbosa. It reaches about 7.9 in (20 cm), against 19.7 in (50 cm) for the species. It also differs in growth rate, placement and spread.
Does Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta 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 Compacta need CO2?
No. Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta grows well without added CO2 and suits a low-tech tank.
How much light does Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta need?
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta is a low-light plant, and the light that comes with a standard tank kit is enough for it.
Does Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta need root tabs?
They help. Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta 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 Compacta?
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta 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 Compacta grow?
Hygrophila corymbosa Compacta grows to about 7.9 in (20 cm) tall. It grows at a moderate pace.
High lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightMidground7.9 in (20 cm)
Medium lightMidground15.7 in (40 cm)
Medium lightForeground5.9 in (15 cm)
High lightForeground3.9 in (10 cm)