Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai'

Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai'

Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai' is a rare cultivar of the Brazilian Hygrophila araguaia producing soft reddish-bronze tinted foliage under moderate to high light — a warm color response that distinguishes it from the typically plain green Hygrophila araguaia species. The aromatic quality of the leaves when grown emersed adds a sensory dimension unusual among aquarium stem plants. It is a vigorous, responsive plant that rewards regular trimming with increasingly dense and colorful growth.

Care tip: Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai' grows best in moderate lighting with CO₂ optional. Maintain temperatures of 68–82°F and pH 6.0–7.5. Regular liquid fertilization supports healthy growth and best coloration.

Growing to 10 to 16 inches, Chai is a midground to background plant that benefits from regular trimming to maintain compact, well-colored growth. Trimmed tops replant easily and propagate reliably. The reddish-bronze tinting is most vivid in actively growing new leaves near the stem tops under good lighting. Regular pruning cycles keep this warm tinting prominently displayed throughout the planting.

This moderate plant grows in medium lighting with CO₂ optional. Temperatures between 68 and 82°F and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provide comfortable conditions. Regular fertilization with iron-containing formulas supports the warm tinting of the submerged leaves and the vigorous growth that makes this cultivar appealing for midground use.

In the aquascape, Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai' provides warm-toned midground coverage with a softer, more bronze color quality than strongly colored red stem plants. The reddish-bronze toning pairs naturally with natural driftwood and earthy substrates, and creates a warm color transition between green foreground plants and more intensely colored background species. Its Brazilian origin adds geographic interest to South American biotope compositions.

Hygrophila araguaia 'Chai' is a warm, aromatic, and botanically interesting midground plant for aquarists who appreciate subtle color and botanical rarity. Its bronze tinting and Brazilian origin make it a distinctive and rewarding addition to the planted aquarium.

Care & Specifications