Propagating Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact'

How to propagate the compact temple-plant cultivar of Hygrophila corymbosa by stem cuttings: topping, replanting, encouraging side shoots, plus light, trimming and care tips.

Overview

Hygrophila corymbosa 'Compact' is a smaller cultivar of the temple plant (also called giant hygro or starhorn), a member of the family Acanthaceae native to Southeast Asia. It is a fast-growing stem plant that can be trimmed frequently, adapts to a wide range of water conditions, and like its parent species naturally grows as an emergent plant but survives long periods fully submerged. Because it is a cultivar, it does not come true from collected seed in the aquarium and is multiplied vegetatively, exactly as the parent species.

Propagation Method (Cuttings)

The parent species Hygrophila corymbosa is easily propagated by taking cuttings and planting them in the substrate. The 'Compact' cultivar is multiplied the same way: a healthy top cutting roots quickly, and the remaining base sends out side shoots, so a single stem becomes several plants.

Step-by-Step

1. Choose a healthy, upright stem and cut the top 5–10 cm just below a leaf node.
2. Strip the lowest one or two pairs of leaves to expose clean nodes for rooting.
3. Plant the cutting in nutrient-rich substrate, burying the bare nodes.
4. Leave the trimmed base in place; it will push out side shoots from the cut.
5. Replant or thin the new shoots once they have their own roots and several leaf pairs.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

The parent species prefers a well-lit position and nutrient-rich water and substrate, and benefits from added CO2. This cultivar grows in low-tech setups but rewards medium lighting and iron plus a trace mix with shorter internodes and wider leaves. Leaf colour in the corymbosa group varies with illumination and the amount of available iron.

Trimming & Maintenance

Trim roughly every two weeks to keep the bush compact and to harvest fresh cuttings. Frequent topping keeps the plant dense rather than leggy. If a stem is allowed to break the surface it shifts to emersed growth and can drop its lower leaves, so cut back before it reaches the top of the tank.

Common Challenges

Lower leaves dropping usually signals shading or low iron; thin the bush and dose traces. Pale or stunted new growth points to insufficient nutrients in an otherwise low-tech tank. Because the plant is fast and adaptable, the main task is regular trimming so it does not overshadow neighbours.