Hygrophila Lancea 'Araguaia' Sp Chai

Plant Profile

Hygrophila Lancea 'Araguaia' Sp. Chai, commonly known as Hygrophila Chai, is an extremely rare and highly coveted pink mutation of the classic Hygrophila lancea 'Araguaia'. Originating as a specialized tissue-culture mutation in Singapore, this collector plant features narrow, elongated leaves characterized by striking olive-red bases with intense pastel pink margins and tips. While it shares the compact, low-growing, bushy structure of standard Araguaia, its breathtaking pink coloration and limited availability make it one of the most prized midground focal points in high-tech aquascaping. Quantity is limited, and supply is infrequent.

*Form Notice: Photos display this plant in both its emersed (above-water) and submerged forms. Depending on nursery availability and seasonality, you may receive this plant in either form. Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide on Emersed vs. Submerged-Grown Aquatic Plants.

Key Features & Benefits

• Ultra-rare pink variegated mutation featuring olive-red foliage with pastel-pink leaf tips and margins.
• Short, bushy branching growth habit naturally creates a dense, spreading midground centerpiece or low-growing foreground terrace.
• Provides unrivaled visual contrast against green mosses and dark hardscape elements.

Care & Planting Instructions

• Remove lead weight surrounding the root base, then strip lower leaf tips so bare stems anchor cleanly into soil without rotting. *Hygrophila Chai is a delicate mutation, so handle stems with extreme care during preparation.
• Use fine-tip pinsettes to push individual stems 1 to 2 inches into nutrient-rich substrate, spacing them slightly apart so light reaches lower foliage.
• Provide high-intensity LED lighting, pressurized CO2 injection, and quality aquarium soil; consistent iron and micronutrient dosing is required to maintain its signature pink coloration and prevent stunting. See our guide to growing red aquarium plants.
• Maintain stable water parameters and avoid sudden environmental shifts to prevent leaf melt or stem rotting.
• Trim lateral shoots or stem tops with straight scissors, replanting the trimmings directly into the substrate to encourage compact side branching. Read our trimming & propagation guide for details.

Quick Facts

Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why are the lower leaves falling off my stem plants?

Lower leaf loss (leggy stems) usually occurs when lighting cannot reach the bottom of the plant due to overcrowding or shading from larger plants. Spacing individual stems slightly apart during initial planting and maintaining strong light penetration will keep lower leaves healthy.

2. How do I maintain the bright pink color on Hygrophila Chai?

Hygrophila Chai requires high light intensity, mandatory pressurized CO2, a nutrient-dense substrate, and regular micronutrient/iron dosing. Without intense light and adequate nutrients, the delicate pink margins will fade or stall in growth.

3. How do I transition Hygrophila Lancea 'Araguaia' Sp. Chai from emersed to submerged growth?

When transitioning from emersed to submerged growth, plant bare stems securely into rich substrate under high lighting and pressurized CO2 while keeping water parameters stable. As new growth adapts, the plant will shed its land foliage and sprout slender, olive-red underwater leaves with bright pastel-pink tips. Once new shoots develop, trim away old lower growth to encourage dense, compact bushes.