Nomaphila Variegatus

Quick facts

Identity

Also known as

Marble Temple Plant; Variegated Temple Plant; Variegated Nomaphila

Synonyms

Nomaphila corymbosa 'Variegatus'; Nomaphila stricta 'Variegatus'

Environment

Freshwater

Native to

Southeast Asia

Habitat

Marshes, ditches, and slow-moving streams and pond margins in tropical Southeast Asia, growing both submersed and emersed along muddy banks

Sourcing

Aquacultured

Conservation

Not Evaluated

Care

Care level

Easy

Growth form

Stem

Max height

4 – 16 in (10 – 41 cm)

Spread

6 in (15 cm)

Growth rate

Fast

Placement

Midground, Background

Water

Temperature

72 – 82 °F (22 – 28 °C)

pH

6.0 – 7.5

GH

3 – 15 dGH

dKH

2 – 12 dKH

PAR

30 – 80 PAR

Flow

Low-Moderate

Light

Medium

CO₂

Beneficial

Planting

Substrate

Nutrient-rich preferred

Feeds from

Both

Fertilizer needs

Medium

Colors

Green, Cream, Yellow, Variegated

Feeding & breeding

Propagation

Cuttings

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Care guide

Overview

Cultivated across Southeast Asian nurseries, this variegated form of Hygrophila corymbosa develops broad leaves marbled cream and green rather than the solid green of the wild type. It grows quickly under medium-to-high light, needs regular topping to hold its shape, and can throw plain green reversion shoots that should be trimmed away. Suits midground-to-background placement in nutrient-rich planted tanks.

Care

A fast-growing background stem plant that tolerates a wide range of water conditions and does not demand a high-tech setup. Medium to high light brings out the strongest cream-and-green marbling on the broad leaves, while low light causes the variegation to fade and the plant to green out. Regular topping keeps the stand at a manageable height and prevents the lower leaves from being shaded out and dropping.

Planting & trimming

Plant individual stems a few inches apart directly into a nutrient-rich substrate or fine gravel with root tabs, burying the lower node but keeping the growing tip clear. Because it grows quickly and tall, place it toward the back of the tank or use regular topping to keep it as a midground feature. Trimmed tops can be replanted immediately to thicken the stand.

Fertilizing

Growth is vigorous enough that the plant draws heavily on both root and water column nutrients, so root tabs pushed into the substrate under each stem combined with a regular liquid fertilizer dosing routine keep it looking full. Nitrogen shortage or low light will show up as pale, yellowing new growth or a loss of the variegated pattern in favor of solid green leaves. It is not a heavy iron feeder compared to some crypts, but a balanced all-in-one fertilizer supports steady leaf production.

Propagation

Propagates readily from stem cuttings: cut a healthy top a few inches long and replant it in the substrate, where it roots within a week under good light. Side shoots and head cuttings can also be taken from mature stems to multiply the plant quickly.

Problems

Reversion is the main issue with this cultivar: stems occasionally throw fully green, non-variegated shoots, and these should be cut out at the base before they outcompete and dominate the variegated growth. Leaves grown emersed or in the nursery tray are often thicker and more rounded than the thinner submersed leaves that follow after planting, so some initial melt or leaf drop during the transition is normal. Persistent yellowing of new leaves usually points to insufficient nutrients rather than disease.

Sources

1. Nomaphila Variegatus - Aquatic Arts
2. Nomaphila Variegata - Aquarium Plants - Aquascape — Aquariumplantenshop
3. Hygrophila Corymbosa 'Variegated' - Marble Temple Plant – Aquarium Plants Factory
4. Nomaphila Variegatus 'Hygrophila Corymbosa Variegata' - Live Aquatic Plant | Floratica

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