Hygrophila Plant Care

Hygrophila (Hygrophila auriculata) belongs to the Acanthaceae family within the Hygrophila genus. Hygrophila is native to tropical Asia and Africa. Hygrophila is also known as Marsh Barbel, Prickly Hygrophila, Talik.

Hygrophila displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hygrophila produces small, tubular flowers in shades of purple or blue.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hygrophila every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Hygrophila thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Hygrophila in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Hygrophila auriculata tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Hygrophila prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Hygrophila to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hygrophila every 3 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hygrophila is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Hygrophila can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Hygrophila while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Hygrophila is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Hygrophila can be propagated through stem cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to temple plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Hygrophila is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Hygrophila grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Hygrophila is native to tropical Asia and Africa. In cooler regions, grow Hygrophila as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.