Hygrophila Araguaia Sp Chai
$9
Description
Hygrophila sp. ‘Chai’ (also sometimes listed as Hygrophila lancea ‘Chai’ or a mutation of Hygrophila lancea ‘Araguaia’) is a rare and striking aquatic stem plant prized in the aquascaping hobby.
Its signature features include:
- A compact, low-bush habit rather than an extremely tall stem.
- Leaves that develop soft pink to reddish hues (especially on new growth or tips) when given optimal lighting and CO₂.
- Narrow, lanceolate leaves with a somewhat curved or linear form, giving the plant a delicate yet dense appearance.
- Very slow to moderate growth rate under high-tech conditions; it is considered intermediate to advanced in difficulty.
Because of its rarity, unique coloration and care requirements, the plant makes a perfect accent or feature plant in a high-end planted tank.
Care Advice & Setup Requirements
Here’s a detailed care guide tailored for success, especially useful for your South Florida (Miami/West Perrine) aquascape settings:
Light
- Provide strong lighting — high PAR is critical to maintain the pink/red tip coloration.
- Aim for long photoperiods (e.g., 8–10 hours) if your light intensity is optimal.
- Insufficient light will likely cause the plant to revert to green hues, grow leggy or decline.
CO₂ & Fertilization
- CO₂ injection is highly recommended — levels around 40-50 ppm give much better stability and color in this species.
- Nutrient-rich substrate + regular water column dosing will support healthy growth; focus on providing micronutrients including iron to enhance coloration.
- Maintain stable parameters — fluctuations in CO₂, nutrients, or water quality will cause older leaves to melt or algae to take hold.
Water Parameters & Tank Condition
- While exact ranges vary, the plant prefers stable conditions; some references suggest cooler water (~25 °C and below) helps with stability.
- Keep the tank clean, as old leaves are very susceptible to algae if conditions are subpar.
- Good water flow and gas exchange improve health — avoid stagnant zones around this plant.
Placement & Growth Habit
- Placement: Foreground to mid-ground zone in the aquascape. Some sources call it foreground, others mid-ground — depends on how you trim and control height.
- Growth is slow to moderate — be patient. Don’t expect rapid filling like some easier plants.
- Regular trimming helps maintain compact, bushy growth and prevents legginess. Cut stems and replant for propagation.
Propagation
- Via stem cuttings: cut healthy stems and replant them into substrate. It roots and then forms new shoots.
- Plant in small groups/clumps for best visual effect and easier maintenance of color.
Common Issues & Solutions
- Algae on leaves: Because of high light + slow growth, algae can accumulate. Solution: ensure excellent nutrient/CO₂ stability, keep tank maturity high, and use algae-eaters or clean leaves manually.
- Melting or reverting colour: If the plant’s leaves go brown or turn green, likely CO₂ or nutrients are unstable. Solution: stabilise conditions, increase CO₂, increase lighting, trim older leaves.
- Leggy growth / reaching: If it grows tall and sparse. Solution: clear surrounding plants so yours isn’t overshadowed, trim to encourage bushy growth, check lighting.