Plant Profile
Nomaphila stricta, also known as Hygrophila siamensis, is a fast‑growing, highly adaptable stem plant that brings a bold splash of green to midground and background layouts. With broad leaves and sturdy vertical stems, it’s the kind of resilient species that shrugs at most freshwater conditions. It grows just as happily fully submerged as it does emersed in paludariums and terrariums.
*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.
Key Features & Benefits
- Fast-growing green stem plant that absorbs excess nutrients to help keep water clear and deter nuisance algae.
- Highly versatile growth habit makes it equally suitable for submerged aquariums or emersed paludarium setups.
Care & Planting Instructions
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Remove lead weight and cotton wrap (or foam) surrounding the base, then strip the lower inch of foliage so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting.
- Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower foliage.
- Provide moderate-to-high lighting for steady growth, though pressurized CO2 injection will accelerate development and leaf size.
- Maintain stable water parameters and cooler water temperatures when possible, though the plant adapts easily to tropical aquarium conditions.
- Trim stem tops with straight scissors once they reach the water surface to encourage new lateral side branches. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
| Attribute |
Specification |
| Scientific Name |
Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis' |
| Common Name(s) |
Nomaphila Stricta, Hygrophila Siamensis |
| Family |
Acanthaceae |
| Plant Type / Taxonomy |
Stem Plant |
| Care Difficulty |
Easy / Beginner |
| Light Requirement |
Moderate to High |
| CO2 Requirement |
Not Required (Recommended for faster growth) |
| Placement / Usage |
Midground / Background / Paludarium |
| Height / Size |
6–12”+ |
| Growth Rate |
Fast |
| Water Parameters |
pH 6.0–7.5 |
| Propagation Method |
Cuttings (Cut stem and replant tops) |
| Origin |
Southeast Asia |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?
Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining adequate light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.
2. Can Nomaphila Stricta grow out of the water in a paludarium?
Yes! Nomaphila Stricta excels as an emersed plant in paludariums or open-top aquariums. When stems break the surface, they grow thicker land foliage and can even produce small flowers.
3. How do I transition Nomaphila Stricta from emersed to submerged growth?
When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under moderate-to-high lighting and keep water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its firm emersed leaves and sprout soft submerged foliage within a few days. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense branching.
