floating rice

Hygroryza or Floating rice, scientific name Hygroryza aristata. The plant is native to tropical Asia. In nature, it grows on moist soil along the banks of lakes, rivers and other bodies of water, as well as on the surface of the water in the form of dense floating “islands”.

The plant forms a creeping branching stem up to one and a half meters long and large lanceolate leaves with a water-repellent surface. The petioles of the leaves are covered with a thick, hollow, corn-cob-like sheath that serves as floats. Long roots grow from the axils of the leaves, hanging into the water or rooting in the ground.

Floating rice is suitable for large aquariums, and is also suitable for open ponds during the warm season. Due to its structure, it does not completely cover the surface of the water, leaving gaps in the spaces between the stems and leaves. Regular pruning will limit growth and make the plant more branchy. The separated fragment can become an independent plant. Unpretentious and easy to grow, warm soft water and high light levels are favorable for growth.