Hygrophila costata (Hygrophila costata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia'
Family
Acanthaceae (acanthus family)
Origin
South America
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
60 cm
Temperature
20–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Hardness
3–15 dGH
Care level
intermediate
Lighting
Medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Hygrophila costata is a South American stem plant that until recently was sold as Hygrophila corymbosa 'Angustifolia'. Submerged leaves are fairly narrow and close together, about 10 cm long; nursery plants grown above water have rounder, more widely spaced leaves at first. Stems reach 25–60 cm. Tropica rates it medium difficulty, with medium light and low CO2 needs. Use it in groups at the back of the tank and trim the tops as it reaches the surface. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants). Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Stem cuttings: cut the tops and replant them; the remaining stems branch.

Compatibility and tank mates

Soft leaves, so avoid goldfish, large cichlids and other plant-eaters. Fine in community tanks with shrimp and snails.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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