Hygrophila Siamensis 53B

Hygrophila Siamensis 53B 'Siamese Waterweed'

Hygrophila Siamensis 53B is a cultivated variant of Hygrophila corymbosa, originating from Southeast Asia and selectively bred for its compact, bushy growth. It is a fast-growing stem plant that thrives in both low-tech and high-tech aquariums, making it a versatile choice for aquascapers. With its upright stems and dense lateral branching, it serves as an excellent background or midground plant, quickly filling vertical space and creating a lush, vibrant backdrop. Its adaptability and ease of propagation make it a favorite among both beginners and experienced aquascapers.

The plant features narrow, lanceolate leaves with smooth edges and pointed tips, typically bright green under moderate lighting. When exposed to higher light intensity, the foliage can develop attractive reddish hues, adding visual contrast to planted layouts. Its soft, delicate texture in submerged form contrasts well with finer-leaved species like Rotala or Ludwigia, enhancing depth and layering in aquascapes. Regular trimming encourages bushier growth, and cuttings root easily, allowing for effortless propagation and layout adjustments.

In terms of care, Hygrophila Siamensis 53B is undemanding but responds well to enriched conditions. It prefers temperatures between 22–28 °C and benefits from regular dosing of macro and micronutrients, especially iron, which enhances its coloration. While CO₂ supplementation is not essential, it significantly improves growth compactness and vibrancy. Moderate to high lighting is ideal, as low light may cause the plant to elongate and lose its compact form. Its resilience and aesthetic flexibility make it a reliable structural element in both natural and Dutch-style aquascapes.

Hygrophila Siamensis 53B

Family NameAmaranthaceaeGenusHygrophilaCommon nameSiamese WaterweedCare LevelEasyPlacement in the TankBushy apperance can contibute nicely to the background.
If cut shorter it can be used in the foreground or midground.Grow rateHighOrigin (in the wild)Cultivar derived from Southeast Asian native Hygrophila corymbosaMax. Size in Aquarium20-50cmTemperature tolerance °C22-28 dCLighting RequirmentLow 0.3 W/LCO2 RequirementLow 1-5 mg/L mg/LtPreferred pH value6.5 - 7.5 pHCarbonate hardness3 - 10 °KHGeneral Hardness 2-15 °GHPropagationRegular trimming encourages bushy, compact growth.Leaf shapeBroad, oval to lance-shaped leavesRecommended substrateFine GravelAquascapingIdeal for background planting due to its height and bushy nature