Hygrophilla lancea “Araguaia”

Hygrophilla lancea “Araguaia” is a rare foreground or midground plant named after the Brazilian river where it grows. Hygrophilla lancea “Araguaia” can grow both emersed and submerged. This plant can develop a reddish brown coloration when grown submerged and under proper conditions. It has the appearance of a stem plant, but it grows in short bushes, which can add a nice bush effect to the middle of your aquarium. Propagation can be accomplished by cutting the lateral shoots and replanting them, or by cutting along the stem and replanting them.

The name “Araguaia” refers to a river system in Brazil, and it is from this name that the plant got its name. However, there are numerous indications that the plant is a Hygrophila lancea native to Japan and Hong Kong.

The stem will grow to be 10-20 cm tall and 6-15 cm wide. It has compact, tight-fitting leaves and easily grows branches. Pinching the stems keeps the plant bushy. Because of the favourable growing conditions, the colour ranges from reddish brown to purple. The rate of growth is typical for a Hygrophila. In trade, this Hygrophila was named after the Brazilian river Araguaia, but it was later identified as the Asian species Hygrophila lancea. It grows lineal reddish-brown leaves with a lighter-colored central vein in water. Its stems grow creepingly, ramify well, and form low bushes. It requires a steady supply of CO2. Trimming the leaves keeps the bushy shape. Hygrophila lancea “Araguaia” requires a lot of light and grows slowly compared to most other Hygrophila species. It is usually sold in its emerged form, which differs greatly from the underwater form, which develops after being placed in an aquarium.

Dieter Wasshausen (Smithsonian Institution, Washington) identified this narrow-leaved creeping Hygrophila, allegedly from South America, as Hygrophila lancea, a species from Asia. It is popular among hobbyists in the United States, but only recently has it spread to Europe.

The plant Hygrophila Araguaia is named after the Araguaia river system in Brazil. However, the origin is in South and East Asia. It is more commonly known as Hygrophila lancea in many parts of the world. Marshes and moist conditions are ideal for the plant’s growth. It can grow up to 70 cm in length in rivers, but it stays much smaller in tanks. Initially popular only in North America, Hygrophila has recently gained worldwide acclaim. Because of their adaptability, aquarists now prefer to grow Hygrophila Araguaia in their tanks.

Hygrophilla lancea “Araguaia” is distinguished by needle-shaped leaves that range in colour from reddish-brown to purple. This Hygrophila species is a little shorter and has stunted growth when compared to other Hygrophila species. The colour of the leaves is determined by the lighting conditions. The stems grow to form a bushy appearance in the tank. However, to achieve the desired shape, the stems must be periodically trimmed. It is a low-lying plant that prefers a low position in the aquarium. Nutrient-rich substrate promotes healthy growth. A regular application of liquid fertilisers boosts plant growth even further.

Plant hardness: It is a moderately hard plant.

Ideal water temperature: Hygrophila thrives best at temperatures ranging from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Lighting requirements: It grows best in medium light intensity. A soft light will keep the plant small and compact.

The water’s pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5.

Do you know that you can use Hygrophilla lancea “Araguaia” as a foreground plant in a medium to large aquarium; however, in smaller tanks, growing it as a midground plant yields the best results.