Hygrophila polysperma 'White' is a striking variegated form of one of the aquarium hobby's most reliable stem plants. Its leaves are splashed with cream and white against fresh green, giving a bright, eye-catching contrast that stands out in any planted tank. Grown from tissue culture, this Tropica 1-2-Grow! pot arrives free from algae, snails and pests, so it's ready to plant straight away with none of the usual quarantine faff.
As a member of the polysperma family, it keeps the fast, easy-going growth habit the species is known for, making it a forgiving choice even for those newer to planted tanks. Under moderate to high light the variegation really comes into its own, though it will still grow contentedly in lower light with a slightly greener look. Left untrimmed it will reach the surface and can be allowed to trail, or kept pinched back and bushy in the midground for a fuller effect.
Versatile and undemanding, it suits everything from nature-style aquascapes to community fish tanks, adding colour and movement without asking much in return.
At a glance:
- Placement: midground to background
- Light: low to high (variegation improves with more light)
- Growth rate: fast
- Difficulty: easy, suitable for beginners
- CO2: not essential, but boosts growth
- Format: Tropica 1-2-Grow! tissue-culture pot, pest and algae free