Temple Plant

Temple Plant (Hygrophila corymbosa) is an aquatic plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Hygrophila corymbosa, sold as giant hygro or temple plant, fills a background faster than almost anything and eats a great deal doing it. The leaves are large and lance-shaped in opposite pairs, and a single stem left alone reaches 50 cm and blocks a corner within a couple of months. It comes from Southeast Asia, grows in medium light without CO2 at 22 to 28 °C (72–82 °F), and tolerates a wide hardness range of 3 to 15 dGH. That appetite is useful: it is one of the better nutrient sponges for a tank fighting algae. Propagate by cutting and replanting tops. It roots readily, and side shoots from the cut stump make the group denser rather than sparser.