Hygrophila polysperma from tropical Asia is one of the hardiest aquarium plants available. The shoots becomes 25-40 cm tall and 4-8 cm wide. It is particularly good for beginners because it grows in almost all conditions. It is also recommendable for initial planting of tanks because it quickly removes excess nutrients from the water and competes with algae.
The East Indian Hygrophila normally grows so fast that it is important to prevent it crowding out other plants, so the shoots must be cut regularly. As well as other stem plants, it is easily propagated by cuttings. Even detached leaves floating on the surface form small new plants.
Hygrophila polysperma is a very variable species with different leaf shape and colour, depending to some extent on the light supplied. "Standard" H. polysperma develops under water oval to lanceolate, light green to somewhat brownish leaves.
Hygrophila polysperma is a robust and highly adaptable plant originating from India and Bhutan. There is also brown variety native to Sri Lanka, which has been brought into trade by the aquatic plant nursery Tropica and is sold under the name Hygrophila polysperma "Ceylon". It is very widely spread in the hobby and can be obtained in most aquarium shops.

There are only few aquarium plants as robust and undemanding and grow as well. Light intensity does not play an important role for its growth. Under less intensive light, the plant grows slower and develops smaller leaves, though. Its nutrient requirements are easily satisfied, too. Water hardness has no influence whatsoever on its growth rate. It doesn't require any CO2 injection, either. In a nutshell: Hygrophila polysperma is the perfect plant for beginning aquarium keepers.