Does Hygrophila Polysperma need CO2?

No. Hygrophila Polysperma grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.

What light does Hygrophila Polysperma need?

Hygrophila Polysperma is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.

Is Hygrophila Polysperma safe for shrimp?

Yes. Hygrophila Polysperma is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.

Image: Wikimedia Commons — attribution available on this site.

Plant appearance can vary with lighting, nutrients, CO₂, and whether it is grown submerged or emersed.

easylow lightNo CO2fast growthstem

Hygrophila Polysperma

Hygrophila polysperma

Also: Dwarf Hygro, Indian Swampweed

Hygrophila polysperma is one of the most beginner-tolerant stem plants. It grows in almost any conditions, tolerates low light, and does not need CO2 or fertiliser. Its fast growth helps reduce algae by competing for nutrients.

Evidence: verifiedConfidence: high

Care at a glance

Difficultyeasy

Lightlow

CO2Not needed

FertiliserNot essential

Growth ratefast

Max height50cm

Placementbackground

Min tank20L

Water parameters

Temperature18–30°C

pH6–8

Shrimp safeYes

Herbivore risklow

Propagationstem cuttings

Beginner guidance

Almost impossible to kill. Trim frequently, it becomes a jungle fast. Plant cuttings directly in substrate. Good for giving a new tank a head start on nutrient cycling.

Cautions

Considered invasive in some regions; do not release into natural waterways.

Sources

Hygrophila polysperma. Wikipedia — SE Asian stem plant; one of the most widely kept aquarium plants due to undemanding nature.
Hygrophila polysperma. Flowgrow — Minimum care requirements; note on invasive status in some US waterways.

Fish whose water overlaps

Peaceful freshwater species with overlapping temperature and pH — still run a pair check for the real mix.

Similar plants

Java Mosseasy · low light · no CO2
Anubiaseasy · low light · no CO2
Java Ferneasy · low light · no CO2
Amazon Swordeasy · medium light · no CO2
Hornworteasy · low light · no CO2
Water Wisteriaeasy · medium light · no CO2

Plan the tank around this plant

Set a 20L+ footprint, then verify livestock before you buy Hygrophila Polysperma.

Open pair checker Tank builder

Tank hubs: 30L

Related plant guides

Easy beginner aquarium plantsLow-light aquarium plantsPlants for shrimp tanks

All plants 30L tank hub

Common questions about Hygrophila Polysperma

Does Hygrophila Polysperma need CO2?: No. Hygrophila Polysperma grows in low-tech tanks without CO2 injection or liquid carbon supplementation.
What light does Hygrophila Polysperma need?: Hygrophila Polysperma is a low-light plant. Standard aquarium LEDs cover this with room to spare. It is one of the plants you can light from a basic shop hood and still get growth.
Is Hygrophila Polysperma beginner-friendly?: Hygrophila Polysperma is rated easy for difficulty. Almost impossible to kill. Trim frequently, it becomes a jungle fast. Plant cuttings directly in substrate. Good for giving a new tank a head start on nutrient cycling.
Is Hygrophila Polysperma safe for shrimp?: Yes. Hygrophila Polysperma is safe in shrimp tanks. The usual quarantine still applies: any plant from a commercial nursery should be soaked and rinsed first to flush copper and pesticide residue.