It is native to Bangladesh, India, China and Malaysia, and has also been introduced to the US states of Florida, Texas and possibly Virginia.

It will grow even faster in good light, a nutrient rich water / substrate and it benefits from additional CO2.

[citation needed] Hygrophila polysperma is readily available in the aquarium trade thanks to its ease of growth and reproduction.

Some people prefer not to introduce Hygrophila polysperma into their tanks as it can rapidly grow out of control, taking light and nutrients away from more other plants.

The leaves turn a shade of pink or orange as they grow closer to the light source.